In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the war that began in 2014. Experts say the cause of the military conflict can be tied to a complicated history, Russia's tensions with NATO, and the ambitions of Vladimir Putin. The primary reason for continuing to flow billions of dollars in cash and weaponry to Ukraine for what is clearly becoming another proxy war between Russia and the West is to prevent Ukraine from ever joining NATO.
Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine was an avoidable crisis that, due to the Biden Administration's incompetent policies and rejection of diplomatic solutions, has escalated into a full-scale invasion. When Vladimir Putin sent up to 200,000 soldiers into Ukraine on 24 February 2022, he wrongly assumed he could sweep into the capital, Kyiv, and quickly achieve his goals. However, Ukrainian forces put up a fierce resistance, leading to a prolonged conflict.
A University of Rochester expert on international conflicts explains some of the reasons behind Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine. According to the expert, Putin's main goal is to prevent Ukraine from aligning with NATO, as he sees the military alliance as a threat to Russia's security and influence in the region. By invading Ukraine, Putin aims to destabilize the country and make it impossible for NATO membership to ever materialize.
Editor's Note: This is an analysis by Nataliya Bugayova, Kateryna Stepanenko, and Frederick W. Kagan for the Institute for the Study of War. Their research delves into the geopolitical implications of Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the potential consequences for the region. The authors highlight Putin's strategic objectives in preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and the broader implications of this conflict for international security.
BY KEN MOSKOWITZ. Principal Deputy to the Ambassador-at-Large and Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union, analyzes Putin's motives in invading Ukraine. He emphasizes the importance of countering Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moskowitz underscores the need for international cooperation to address the crisis and prevent further escalation.
Vladimir Putin claims one of the main goals of his Ukraine invasion is to prevent the country joining NATO. This objective may, at first glance, seem like a defensive move to protect Russia's interests. However, it is also a strategic calculation to maintain control over Ukraine and prevent Western influence in the region. Putin's actions have drawn condemnation from the international community, with calls for sanctions and diplomatic pressure to end the conflict.
