Volodymyr vs. Vladimir: How rival statues explain the Russia-Ukraine conflict

A statue of Volodymyr the Great, a towering figure in Ukraine, is wrapped in canvas to protect it from Russian attacks in Kyiv. Volodymyr brought Christianity to Kyiv in the year 988, and baptized residents in the city's river. The Russians also claim him as a central figure in their history, calling him Vladimir the Great. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

One of Ukraine's most legendary figures is Volodymyr the Great. He ruled Kyiv from the year 980 to 1015, launching major building projects, pulling together divided tribes and introducing Christianity. Today, he's honored with a soaring statue in Kyiv overlooking the Dnipro River that bisects the city.

Yet Russia also claims him as central to its political and religious history. They know him by the Russian version of his name — Vladimir the Great. Six years ago, Russia built an even larger statue just outside the Kremlin walls.