Why did Russia attack Ukraine?
There were several main reasons for this.
First, the Russian leadership does not accept the Western way of development of Ukraine.
Why?
First of all, because the example of the development of one of the former Soviet republics along the path of democracy can be contagious for Russian citizens. It is one thing for Russians to be given an example of America and European countries that have a centuries-old history of democracy. And it is another matter when the former Soviet Republic in front of everyone for several years dismantled the authoritarian system of governance, introduces truly democratic principles of state governance; when freedom of speech and freedom of the individual have a real manifestation; when people can truly choose their mayors, governors and even the president; when the country is not dominated by one party, one ideology and one point of view, but there is a pluralism of opinions; when citizens can freely express their opinions on the streets and squares and on social networks. When all these transformations are carried out by former citizens of the totalitarian Soviet Union, of course, such an example can sow doubts among Russians about the inviolability of Putin’s idea of the need for a “hard hand”, “order and stability” in the country.
The second factor that annoys Putin in Ukraine’s drift from Russia to the West is the loss of a political, economic and military ally.
What does it mean to have at your side not a devoted satellite, but an opponent on the main issues?
This means that when the West announces sanctions to Russia, Ukraine will strictly implement these sanctions at the very borders of Russia and block the customs borders of Russia (quite another thing is the neighborhood with a loyal ally, which we now see on the example of Kazakhstan with its transparent borders with Russia).
This means that when the UN votes on various issues, Ukraine will vote against Russia and weaken its position.
This means that Ukraine will accept investments and build joint ventures with Europe and the United States, and not with Russia, thereby contributing to the development of the West, not Russia.
The third factor that prompted Putin to invade the territory of Ukraine is the potential military threat of NATO from the territory of Ukraine. Putin is convinced that if Ukraine joins the European Union and is oriented towards the West, it will inevitably join the NATO alliance and allow the deployment of American military bases on its territory in close proximity to the political center of Russia.
The fourth factor in Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is the declining popularity of the Russian leader inside the country. And, as we know from history, in such situations, the “little victorious war” helps very well. This is exactly the campaign Putin envisioned going to Ukraine. The growing tension in relations with the West and the increased level of mutual threats have simply driven Putin into a dead end. He could not continue to send empty threats to his eternal opponents without resorting to real action. Otherwise, Putin’s supporters could doubt his determination and firmness.
COMMENTS