Why is Russia actually invading Ukraine?

On February 24th, President Putin declared Russia could not feel “safe, develop, and exist” because of what he claimed was a constant threat from modern Ukraine. And so began Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For months, the Russian president denied any invasion but then, launched a devastating attack on Ukraine, a European, democratic, country sharing a border with Russia.

Russia’s forces are bombing city centers and closing in on the capital, Kyiv, uprooting civilian lives. Putin stands accused of shattering the peace of Europe as many believe the next series of events could threaten the entire security structure of the continent. Warplanes have bombed, and Russian forces have seized control of key cities. Meanwhile, Russia refuses to even use terms such as invasion or war, claiming their goal is to protect their own country from the “militarization” and “Nazification” of Ukraine. But why is Russia actually invading Ukraine? Well, the answer is a combination of multiple factors. One large reason has to do with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the USSR (Union of Soviet Social Republics). Previously, Ukraine was a part of the USSR (Soviet Union) along with Russia as one large state. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, NATO and the west had promised that they would not expand to the east. Of course, at present time, we know there are discussions of Ukraine joining NATO, this is one of the things Russia is upset about. Additionally, President Putin strongly believes that the collapse of the Soviet Union caused the disintegration of “historical Russia” and that Ukraine and Russia are one nation. It’s clear that Russia wishes for Ukraine to be a part of Russia once more because of historical and cultural factors but also because an independent Ukraine means a loss for Russia. Not only does Russia demand that Ukraine never join NATO, but they also want NATO to retract any and all expansion previously done in the east like they promised they wouldn’t. As for those cultural factors, in 2014 Russia annexed Crimea, an area many refer to as occupied Ukrainian territory. Russia was adamant about having Crimea as part of its republic because it wanted to “protect ethnic Russians” from the ideals and assimilation of Ukraine. Formally, the Crimean region is still considered Ukrainian territory. From a completely different perspective, some experts believe Putin hopes to invade and take over multiple parts of Europe, in an effort to rebuild and expand the Soviet Union. This would reassert Putin’s power and influence across Europe as well as secure his legacy, which are all things Putin seems to be concerned with. Many worry that these actions will lead to a third world war and obviously, it’s very possible but then why hasn’t anyone interfered yet? Well, first of all, the USA and other European countries are very known for getting involved in wars they have no place being a part of. Just recently, the USA was finally getting backlash for their military involvement in Afghanistan and was ridiculed after their evacuation. This is one of the reasons we’ve seen no direct international involvement, no one wants to get involved in a war that, so far, has nothing to do with them. Furthermore, involvement in a war can cost a lot and not just monetarily. Right now, many countries are waiting to see how this plays out before getting involved or sending troops on the ground. It’s possible that in such a fragile and delicate situation, the wrong move could trigger just what everyone wants to avoid, another world war. Through his tendencies and demonstrations as a leader, it’s plausible that Putin is willing to go to war for what he desires, in fact, it’s possible he may have been planning for it. Right now, world leaders are planning and preparing for whatever may come next and we as a community and society must also play our part. Stay informed on the situation, the relevancy applies to us independently and as a collective. Donate if you can, but also make sure the finds are actually getting to those who need it. Most importantly, keep the people of Ukraine in your prayers and pray for their safety.