Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine

 

Summary of this Article:

• The tension between Russia and Ukraine stems from historical, political, and territorial factors.
• Ukraine and Crimea were once part of the USSR, and Ukraine is strategically important due to its size, population, and defense capabilities.
• The conflict intensified in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, leading to international condemnation and sanctions.
• Crimea is vital for Russia's access to the Black Sea and Mediterranean, and it hosts a significant Russian naval fleet.
• Economic struggles in Ukraine worsen the situation, exacerbated by Russian aggression and separatist movements.
• Ongoing tensions include troop deployments, accusations of Russian interference, and sporadic clashes.
• NATO supports Ukraine, supplying weapons and conducting military exercises, while Russia's alliance with China adds complexity.
• Concerns arise over the potential for escalation to a larger conflict involving major powers, with bordering countries at risk.
• Displacement and fears of cyber and military attacks heighten the sense of urgency and uncertainty.
• The situation remains fluid, with the outcome uncertain, and the potential for a third world war looms ominously.

 

Friends, welcome to Historical Horizons. The world is rapidly moving towards a major tension that could engulf many countries. This is the tension in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine. What are the major causes of this tension between Russia and Ukraine? Have Ukraine and Crimea ever been part of Russia? And let us all know what is the role of America and European Union in this region and whether this conflict could turn into a major war.

Historical Background:

That was in 1922 when Russia signed an agreement with Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic (TDFR) to form USSR. Within a few years of its inception, the USSR became the most powerful republic in the world.

It was more than 22.4 million square kilometers. Today's 15 countries were part of this 70-year-old alliance, which included Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Belarus. Fifteen new countries came into being after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Compared to the Soviet superpower, the United States and its European allies formed an alliance called NATO after World War II.

The world remained victim of this war between these two super powers until the end of USSR. Soviet Union disintegrated but squabbling between its allies goes on, not only this, even the separatist struggle for independence in Chechnya and Caucasus in Russia is going on till now. Since Russia was the most powerful state in the Soviet Union, it has continued to harass other states in one form or another in order to maintain its influence only after the collapse of the USSR.

An example is the war between Russia and Ukraine, which is largely due to NATO's ongoing military exercises in Ukraine near the Russian border. The United States wants to establish its influence in the region, for which it has set up military bases in Eastern Europe in collaboration with NATO. Following the collapse of the USSR, Russia's allies are now part of NATO.

Rather, the three states that were USSR regular states are now part of NATO, the alliance that was once formed against them in response to them, and Russia does not want Ukraine to become part of NATO at any cost.

Importance of Ukraine to Russia:

So Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe after Russia in terms of area. Its area is more than 600,000 square kilometers. On the other hand, its population is about about 40.1 million. So its eight largest populated country of Europe. If we study Ukraine's defense capability, it will rely heavily on NATO allied forces for its own defense, Ukraine has the third largest army in Europe after Russia and France but it ranked on 25th number in world regarding defense capability.

Ukraine also has Soviet-era nuclear weapons, so it can try to fight. On the other hand, in the list of the most powerful forces in the world, Russia is in the second position after the United States, i.e Ukraine alone cannot compete with Russia alone. According to some reports, Russia so far, more than 100,000 troops have been deployed along the Ukrainian border, equipped with sophisticated weapons, and it is likely that this number will soon double.

Such a large number of armies has disturbed the movement of all the major powers of the world. But even now, intelligence officials say that if Russia tries to invade Ukraine, the fighting will not be limited to this, but will spread to the whole of Europe.

Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine:

It has been going on since 2014 when Russia sent troops to the Crimean Peninsula to make it a regular part of Russia and then legally ratified its move through a so called referendum.

The European Union and the United States not only refused to recognize the referendum but also imposed sanctions on Russia. The United Nations also passed a resolution rejecting the referendum in Crimea. And admitted Crimea a part of Ukraine, but the conflict is not completely over.

Crimean Peninsula:

Now let's talk about the Crimean Peninsula, where an estimated 40,000 Russian troops are currently stationed. Crimea provides Russia with easy and fast access to the countries bordering the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Black Sea states, commonly known as the Balkan States, and its commercial importance is undeniable. Russia fears that the European Union and NATO will try to block its access to the Black Sea by setting up bases in Ukraine.

Crimea is also important to Russia because the Russian naval fleet in the Black Sea is in the Crimean port of Sevastopol. The port of Crimea was also used during the Syrian-Georgia conflict. After occupying Crimea, Russia has surrounded Ukraine on three sides. It is also important to note that Ukraine's defense system in the eastern regions is extremely weak.

Most of the people of eastern Ukraine are of Russian descent and obviously have sympathies with Russia. Considering the geographical importance of the Crimean Peninsula, it is a region of 27,000 square kilometers with a population of 2.4 million people. More than that, Russia is trying to encircle Ukraine and seize its natural gas reserves along Crimea to make it easier for it to hold Crimea in its hands. More than 65% of the population in Crimea is of Russian descent, while Ukrainian, Armenian, Belarusian ethnic groups are also present in large numbers.

Economic Conditions of Ukraine:

Friends, on one side Ukraine is facing Russian aggression and on the other hand its economic condition is not so well. According to a 2020 report, is the poorest country in Europe, plagued by the worst poverty and rampant corruption.

In 2014, Russian allies present in east of Ukraine, occupied Donetsk and Luhansk of Donbas region. However, since then, the United States and the European Union have signed a peace agreement in Geneva between Russia and Ukraine. In Donbas region, people speak Russian language mostly. Russia has also given passports to many of its people. In other words, they have two passports.

In the areas under the control of Russia, there are frequent clashes between the rebels and the Ukrainian forces. Russia also openly supports separatist groups in eastern Ukraine. Russia has been accused of interfering in Ukraine's governing process several times, Western-backed protesters in Ukraine have staged protests against the regime.

This series has not stopped yet. Large-scale protests against pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych erupted in February 2014, forcing him to step down. It is also called the Ukrainian Revolutionary. After this in April 2014, very famous political leader Veladimir Rebic killed by Russian-backed rebels.

The United States and the European Union have strongly condemned Russia's. A ceasefire in 2015 happened in Russia and Ukraine. Elections have not yet been held in eastern Ukrainian regions bordering Russia. Ukraine also banned three TV stations in Ukraine in February 2021 due to Russian interference in political affairs.

Current Tension Between Russia and Ukraine:

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been high for some time but the latest conflict began in march 2021 when Russia resumes troop deployment on Ukraine's eastern border once again. Not only that, Ukraine and NATO have even accused Russia of not only having regular military units in Ukraine's separatist-held territories, but also of providing large arms to the rebels.

Russia, on the other hand, considers the rebels its volunteers. There have been several skirmishes between Russian and Ukrainian forces in which precious lives have been lost. Defense experts believe that Russia can do anything to achieve its goals in Ukraine.

Because all issues can be resolved through negotiations, but if God forbid a war breaks out, many European countries, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania etc. will be directly affected. The boarders of these country mostly meet Russia. and if this conflict increase then big powers like America, England, France, Germany can come in front of Russia.

On the other hand, as China is strategic partner of Russia it will stand by Russia for sure. Ukraine is not particular member of NATO alliance, but under America`s influence, NATO is standing behind Ukraine to control Russia. And a very large amount weapons are supplying to Ukraine that includes American Julin anti tank.

Under the name of military exercises, NATO is training Ukrainian army. At the moment, NATO does not even want to close the door on negotiations with Russia by including Ukraine in its alliance. It just wants to put pressure on Russia. Defense experts warn that tensions between Russia and Ukraine could lead to a third world war.

Russia has a border dispute not only with Ukraine but also with Georgia and Belarus. Thousands of people have living near borders already been displaced. Western experts fear that Russia could not only launch cyber and hybrid attacks in NATO member states if it helps Ukraine, but also many other European countries come under its military attacks.

Only time will tell what form this conflict will take in the days to come. Let us know how you like our this article?