| Term | Identification |
|---|---|
| Nation | Russia |
| State | Russia |
| Government | Vladimir Putin |
| Regime | Russian Federation |
Historical context
In February 2022 Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine1. Ukraine’s interest to Russia stems from it being militarily strategic for further expansion1 and historical and ongoing conflicts between the two nations. The catalyst of modern conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February of 2014 when Russian forces assessed and annexed Crimea2.
The annexation is further rooted in the historical ties of Ukraine as a former Soviet republic as well as Crimea’s position near legitimate Russian transit routes2. The attack on Crimea was viewed as strategically successful due to the ease of annexation, but largely in part due to Russian forces being viewed as friendly and valid to Crimea through cultural ties, which existed as a separate political unit within Ukraine2 3. These deeply rooted ties stem from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic’s transfer of power over Crimea to the Ukrainian Republic in 19543.
In addition to historical roots, political tensions where on the rise in Ukraine. These included new trade deals being made with Russia4. After new trade deals where made, Ukrainian citizens protested, which lead to the then president of Ukraine banning anti-government protests4. After banning anti-government protests, Ukrainian citizens protested the decision – which turned violent resulting in the death of two protesters4. The ban was overturned, the parliament also impeaches President Yanukovych4 he claims that the impeachment was apart of a ‘coup5. Around this time Russia claims that there is a “deteriorating situation” within the country4.
The impeached president, who was the same one who made trade deals with Russia, is then issued an arrest warrant for mass murder, for those protesters4. All resulting in Russia’s easy use of propaganda and unmarked military “self-defense” forces to gain control6. Throughout this Crimea’s government remains pro-Russian and votes to join Russia4.
After successful annexation of Crimea, Russian forces moved onwards resulting in the start of what we call the Russian – Ukrainian war7 that year6. When, in 2022, Russian forces began their full scale invasion of Ukraine8 the world jumped to support Ukraine, partially out of fear as to what Russia could do if they gained control of Ukraine.
Current event
On September 13 President Biden and British PM Starmer met to discuss a number of ongoing issues including Ukrainian use of long-range Western weapons9 10 11. Biden has been urged to lift it’s restrictions10, and both Britain and France have agreed to approve Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles on the counter-offensive11 9, but the United States lags behind.
The concern stems from Russian threats of escalating the conflict10, potentially to the use of nuclear weapons12. An announcement was expected to be delivered after the meeting10, but this no longer appears to be the case – and if any decision is made soon it is unlikely to be public9.