Once Part of Larger Russia: Why Putin Went to War with Ukraine and What He Wants Next – Everything You Need to Know

Ukraine war

Ukraine was once part of the Soviet Union, a superpower largely defined by Russia as its largest and most dominant member. When the USSR fell, Ukraine gained independence. But 25 years later, Russia came back, determined to take back what it believes is rightfully theirs.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is one of the most significant geopolitical crises of our time. It’s a story deeply rooted in history, ideology, and power struggles, with devastating human consequences. To understand the situation, we must examine the past, the events leading to the war, the current state, and what the future might hold.


A Shared History: From the USSR to Independence

Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union (USSR) until its dissolution in 1991. As one of the largest Soviet republics, Ukraine played a crucial role in the USSR’s economy, politics, and military. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union led to Ukraine’s independence, a moment of hope for many Ukrainians who sought sovereignty and closer ties with the West.

This separation also left unresolved tensions:

  • Cultural Ties: Many Ukrainians share language, history, and family connections with Russia.
  • Geopolitical Significance: Ukraine’s location makes it a strategic buffer between Russia and NATO-aligned countries in the West.
  • Crimea and the East: Regions like Crimea and Donbas have significant Russian-speaking populations, fueling debates over identity and allegiance.

The First Conflict: The 2014 Annexation of Crimea

In 2014, protests erupted in Ukraine against the government of Viktor Yanukovych, a pro-Russian president. These protests, known as the Euromaidan movement, demanded closer ties with Europe. When Yanukovych fled Ukraine, Russia responded aggressively:

  • Crimea’s Annexation: Russia annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula, citing the need to protect Russian-speaking citizens. The move violated international law and was widely condemned.
  • Donbas Conflict: Pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared independence, leading to a bloody conflict with Ukrainian forces.
See also  Israel’s Campaign in Syrian Buffer Zone Sparks Concern of Longer Stay by IDF

This marked the beginning of a long struggle, with Russia asserting control in Crimea and supporting separatist forces in the East.


The Second Invasion: A Full-Scale War

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, escalating the conflict to unprecedented levels. Russia’s stated motives included:

  • Preventing NATO Expansion: Russia opposed Ukraine’s growing alignment with NATO and viewed it as a direct threat.
  • Protecting Russian-Speaking Populations: Russia claimed the invasion was necessary to protect ethnic Russians in Ukraine.
  • Reasserting Influence: President Vladimir Putin has long sought to restore Russia’s power and influence over former Soviet territories.

The invasion led to widespread destruction, the displacement of millions, and thousands of deaths. Cities like Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Kyiv became battlegrounds, with devastating consequences for civilians.


Putin’s Role and Vision

Vladimir Putin has been central to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. His leadership is characterized by:

  • Restoration of Russian Power: Putin views the collapse of the Soviet Union as a “geopolitical tragedy” and aims to reclaim Russia’s dominance.
  • Authoritarian Control: Domestically, Putin has suppressed dissent, controlling media narratives and silencing opposition.
  • Defiance of the West: Putin’s actions reflect a broader challenge to Western influence, seeking to establish Russia as a global power independent of U.S.-led alliances.

Reactions to the War

In Russia:

  • Mixed Public Opinion: While state-controlled media promotes the invasion as a necessary “special military operation,” many Russians oppose the war. Protests have occurred, but dissent is met with harsh crackdowns, arrests, and censorship.
See also  Kosovo’s Christian Revival and America’s Waning Church Attendance

In the West:

  • Economic Sanctions: The U.S., EU, and allies imposed sanctions targeting Russia’s financial institutions, energy exports, and key industries. These measures have weakened Russia’s economy but have not deterred its actions.
  • Military Support for Ukraine: Western countries, including the U.S., the UK, and Poland, have provided billions of dollars in military aid, including advanced weaponry, intelligence, and training for Ukrainian forces.
  • Diplomatic Isolation: Russia has been excluded from many international forums, such as the G8 (now G7), and faces growing condemnation on the global stage.

Globally:

  • Divided Reactions: While Western nations support Ukraine, some countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have taken neutral stances or maintained ties with Russia due to economic and political interests.

The Human Toll: Life in War-Torn Ukraine

The war has profoundly affected daily life in Ukraine:

  • Displacement: Over 8 million Ukrainians have fled the country, while millions more are internally displaced.
  • Destruction of Infrastructure: Schools, hospitals, and homes have been destroyed, leaving communities struggling to rebuild.
  • Constant Fear: Air raid sirens, missile strikes, and street battles are a daily reality for many.
  • Community Resilience: Despite the hardships, Ukrainians have shown incredible resilience, with volunteers providing aid and civilians stepping up to defend their country.
See also  How U.S. Missteps in Afghanistan Swelled the Taliban’s Ranks and Turned Allies into Enemies

The Current Situation

As of December 2024:

  • Stalemate: Both sides remain locked in a prolonged conflict, with neither achieving a decisive victory.
  • Heavy Losses: The war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with civilians and soldiers bearing the brunt of the violence.
  • Economic Strain: Both Ukraine and Russia face economic difficulties, with Ukraine relying heavily on international aid.

What Lies Ahead?

The future remains uncertain:

  • Prolonged Conflict: Without a negotiated settlement, the war could continue for years, draining resources and lives.
  • Diplomatic Efforts: Ongoing negotiations may offer hope, but deep mistrust between the parties complicates peace talks.
  • Ukraine’s Reconstruction: Rebuilding Ukraine will require massive international investment and support.
  • Global Implications: The war’s outcome will shape the future of international relations, particularly between Russia and the West.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is a tragic and complex crisis with roots in history, power struggles, and geopolitical ambitions. The human cost is staggering, with lives lost, families displaced, and communities destroyed. As the world watches, another year slips by and with the U.S. shifting its administration, the urgency for a resolution intensifies. Yet, achieving peace will demand extraordinary efforts and compromises from all sides involved.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *