Russia’s recognition of the self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine on Monday lends an official stamp to Moscow’s support of rebels there, but it has already tried to “Russify” the region by offering Russian passports and citizenship to residents there.
What is the beef between russia and ukraine?
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is an ongoing geopolitical and international relations issue and military standoff between Russia and Ukraine that began in February 2014 as part of an offshoot of the Revolution of Dignity or the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution and the removal of Russian-leaning Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych on 22 February 2014.
But Russians and Ukrainians parted ways linguistically, historically and, most importantly, politically. Putin has, however, claimed repeatedly that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people”, part of the “Russian civilisation” that also includes neighbouring Belarus.
What does Russia really want in Ukraine?
On Monday, Vladimir Putin said he would recognize the independence of Russian separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine and ordered forces to the area, further ramping up tensions.
What is Russia’s role in eastern Ukraine?
Russia has often denied it has backed separatists in eastern Ukraine but has been accused of supplying military hardware to rebels in a bid to undermine Ukraine’s government, sovereignty and political stability.
Ukraine’s drift toward the West aggravates Moscow because it does not want to see NATO, or the EU, expand eastward to incorporate Ukraine despite there being no imminent prospect of Ukraine becoming a member of either body.
Is Russia deploying troops in eastern Ukraine?
In late 2021 and early 2022, fears heightened as satellite images revealed new Russian deployments of troops, tanks, artillery and other equipment cropping up in multiple locations, including near eastern Ukraine, Crimea and Belarus, where its forces were participating in joint drills with Moscow’s closest international ally.
What are Putin’s ‘red lines’ on Ukraine?
A more pragmatic interpretation is that Putin spots an opportunity to strike a deal on Russia’s “red lines” over potential NATO expansion into Ukraine and other former Soviet republics. He said in a speech last week that “it is imperative to push for serious long-term guarantees that ensure Russia’s security” along its western borders.