Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has invaded Ukraine over the past week, fearing the repercussions of Ukraine joining NATO and for more sinister intentions. The world has responded with economic sanctions—barring most of Russia’s international trade and commerce. However, Putin remains unyielding, retaliating with nuclear warfare and warning of “untold consequences.”
44 million Ukrainians were dragged into war and chaos. Throughout Ukraine, violence continues to escalate—with airstrikes targeting civilians, Russia massacring border guards, and cities falling under Russian rule. Despite the ongoing war, the global community has left Ukraine to fend for itself, fearing Russia’s nuclear potential to wipe out humankind.
Putin warned several times of retaliation if any nation intervenes, even placing his nuclear arsenal on high alert. Consequently, the global community is left to witness the downfall of Ukraine’s democracy—constituting the worst European conflict since the second world war.
So, why is Russia invading Ukraine?
“Russians and Ukrainians are one people - a single whole,” said Putin. Before the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Ukraine was a part of Russia for over two centuries. During this period, both nations became culturally intertwined. Think of the US and Canada; both are also similar demographically and culturally.
With that, Putin has been on edge since Ukraine’s interest in joining NATO—a security alliance formed to combat Soviet or Russian expansion. If a NATO member goes to war, all other members are also at war. Thereby, Putin claimed that not only will such an alliance be insulting to Ukrainian-Russian history, but Russia’s national security will also be at risk—as Russia’s East European Plain will be vulnerable to a possible Russia-NATO conflict.
However, culture and prospective NATO membership can’t be the sole reasons for going into war. First, Ukraine hasn’t begun the process of joining NATO. Second, other bordering and culturally similar nations like Estonia and Latvia have joined NATO and the European Union, but Russia hasn’t threatened invasion yet. The motivation for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine lies in more sinister intentions.
Putin’s excuse for reclaiming Ukraine for cultural and security reasons is a facade for his political and economic goals.
For one, Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine wasn’t their first, as they also occupied Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula eight years prior. Crimea is vital for Russia’s power, as it serves as the only ice-free trading port and holds vast natural gas reserves. However, NATO will forcibly take back Crimea once Ukraine joins the alliance.
More so, the rest of Ukraine holds untold natural resources, with most of Europe’s uranium, 1.1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, and Europe’s second-largest coal reserves. Furthermore, the 44 million Ukrainian residents will add 30% to Russia’s already dwindling population. Thus, invading Ukraine will re-establish Russian dominance politically and economically.
Many have called for international action against Putin’s regime—resulting in many sanctions and global condemnation. The Ukrainian resistance has also exceeded initial expectations, being able to defend their major cities from thousands of Russian troops. However, Putin has also retaliated by placing his nuclear forces on high alert. Till now, peace talks have made no progress.
As the war intensifies, the most vulnerable victims are the millions of Ukrainians currently fleeing their homeland and fighting for their country. Although we live thousands of miles away, we still have the opportunity to help. For one, staying informed about the conflict and discussing the issue with friends and family will contribute to the movement of condemning Putin’s war. We can also donate to families in need of shelter and basic needs. There’s little we can do, but every contribution counts to mitigate the loss of Ukrainian democracy and a humanitarian crisis among Ukrainian refugees.
Verified charities to help affected Ukrainians: https://www.today.com/news/news/5-verified-charities-working-help-ukrainians-invasion-rcna17590
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