A Brief Analysis of the Russian-Ukraine Conflict

Image of the Russian military units at the Ukraine border (Source: Maxar Technologies Satellite)

Author: Lucas Lu

Background

Although the Kremlin claims that Russia has no intention to invade Ukraine, it has deployed over 136,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s border. According to satellite images released by Maxar, a space technology company, numerous Russian troop tents also appear to sit right next to their military equipment, and seem to be prepared for any invasion order from the Kremlin. This all begs the question- why would the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, take this risky move to wage war against the entirety of NATO, risk the lives of people all around the world? 

Recent Historical Conflict Analysis

One motivation for Russia’s possible invasion can be traced back to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, when Ukraine gained their independence and separated from the country. It is not in the interest of Russia to allow a country that shares so many political and cultural ties with it to join the democratic west. There are many examples of Russian history in Ukraine- for example, the Saint-Sophia Cathedral, in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv holds a symbolic and historical importance to Russians. The tension between Russia and Ukraine increased immediately after Ukraine brought the possibility of joining NATO, a decision that could severely undermine the sovereignty of Russia, on the table. Over the last few decades, Ukraine did not choose to surrender to Russia’s “forced assimilation”; instead, it had been mobilizing its people and seeking help from the western world, such as the United States. Despite the possibility of an all-out war, the United States and many other NATO members have not yet backed down. Many nations have cautiously reaffirmed their determination to protect the sovereignty and democracy of Ukraine.

Note: This article was edited and updated by Alexandra Maloney