Russia-Ukraine
war is a complex and multifaceted conflict with deep historical roots and
geopolitical implications. The tensions between the two countries have
historical origins, as Ukraine was once part of the Russian Empire and later
the Soviet Union but gained independence after the USSR's collapse in 1991.
Territorial disputes, particularly concerning Crimea, have been significant
flashpoints in the conflict. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, following a
controversial referendum, heightened tensions and drew international
condemnation. Ethnolinguistic divisions within Ukraine, with a significant
Russian-speaking population in the eastern regions, have also played a role in
fueling separatist movements and unrest.
Additionally, the geopolitical interests are at stake, with Russia seeking to maintain influence over its former Soviet territories and opposing Ukraine's aspirations for closer ties with the European Union and NATO, which it perceives as a threat to its strategic interests. Additionally, energy politics and the control of energy resources and transportation routes, such as natural gas pipelines running through Ukraine, add an economic dimension to the conflict. Internal political dynamics in Ukraine and governance issues have also contributed to the tensions with Russia.
