The world is on edge as Russia and Ukraine continue to clash. The conflict began with a political power struggle in Ukraine but has since escalated into a full-blown war. This latest development in the global geopolitical landscape is alarming for many reasons. Not only does it threaten the stability of Europe, but it also underscores the crucial importance of free speech and freedom of expression. In this blog post, we will explore how Russia’s actions in Ukraine indicate its more significant intentions—and why they deserve our scrutiny. We will also provide insights into what we can do to support freedom of speech and human rights in the face of such aggression.
What is happening in Russia and Ukraine?
Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a tense relationship, with both countries frequently struggling for influence over the other. In 2014, following months of protests in Ukraine, Russian troops invaded Crimea and increased support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. As a result, the two countries have become embroiled in a new Cold War with ongoing tensions that seem to be only escalating.
This article will explore what is happening in Russia and Ukraine and discuss some key players involved. We will also look at how these events might impact the rest of the world.
What Is Happening In Russia And Ukraine?
Since President Vladimir Putin took power in 2000, Russia has struggled to reassert its superpower status after decades of decline. Putin’s policies aim to return Russia to its former glory as a superpower by rebuilding its military and economy while maintaining close ties with neighbouring countries like Belarus and Turkey. These policies have led to conflicts with neighbouring countries such as Georgia and Ukraine, which have accused Russia of interfering in their internal affairs.
Putin’s policies have also affected Ukraine’s policies, as his efforts to rebuild Russian infrastructure have decreased trade between the two countries. This decrease in trade hurt Ukrainian businesses, leading to social unrest and protests against Yanukovych’s government in 2013-2014. Following these protests, Yanukovych was ousted from power and replaced with Petro Poroshenko, who promised closer ties with Europe and more autonomy for Ukraine’s eastern regions.
What Are The Key Players In Russia And Ukraine?
President Vladimir Putin: Putin has been president of Russia since 2000 and is currently serving his fourth term in office. He has been a key figure in Russian politics for many years and is known for his aggressive policies towards neighbouring countries.
Vladimir Putin’s policies aim to return Russia to its former glory as a superpower by rebuilding its military and economy while maintaining close ties with nearby countries like Belarus and Turkey. These policies have led to conflicts with neighbouring countries such as Georgia and Ukraine, which have accused Russia of interfering in their internal affairs.
Dmitry Medvedev: Dmitry Medvedev was president of Russia from 2008-2012 and preceded Vladimir Putin in the presidency. After leaving office, he served as Prime Minister from 2012-2014 and is currently the CEO of Gazprom, one of the largest Russian companies.
Vladimir Putin’s policies aim to return Russia to its former glory as a superpower by rebuilding its military and economy while maintaining close ties with nearby countries like Belarus and Turkey. These policies have led to conflicts with neighbouring countries such as Georgia and Ukraine, which have accused Russia of interfering in their internal affairs.
The Russian Invasion of Crimea
Since the annexation of Crimea by Russian forces in March 2014, tensions have been running high between Russia and Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of orchestrating a coup d’état, while the Kremlin has consistently denied involvement.
Following the outbreak of violence in eastern Ukraine, which has seen over 10,000 people killed and millions displaced, Russia began to heavily support separatist rebels within Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions. While there is no clear evidence that Moscow was directly responsible for orchestrating these events, the Russian invasion of Crimea was seen as an attempt to destabilize the region further and create a pretext for interference.
Since the annexation of Crimea, relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated rapidly. Several rounds of economic sanctions have been levied against Moscow, while NATO has increased its presence in Eastern Europe in response to what it sees as Russian aggression. Despite this hostility from the West, however, Putin seems determined to continue his policy of interventionism in Eastern Europe.
The War in Eastern Ukraine
Since the annexation of Crimea in March 2014, relations between Russia and Ukraine have unravelled into a New Cold War. The Ukraine conflict has become one of the most complex and protracted armed conflicts in Europe since the end of World War II. The current state of the war is unclear, with multiple ceasefire violations and ongoing fighting in critical strategic areas.
The origins of the conflict can be traced back to February 2014, when then-president Viktor Yanukovych rejected an Association Agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Moscow. This decision sparked protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, which turned violent after government forces responded using lethal force. Several high-profile individuals were killed, including pro-European protester Oleksandr Kolchenko. It led to Yanukovych fleeing Ukraine for Russia, sparking a political crisis that we only resolved after you reached a negotiated settlement in May 2017.
Since then, both sides have heavily relied on proxy forces to fight their battles. Russia has sent troops and military equipment to help support the rebels in eastern Ukraine. In contrast, Kyiv has recruited volunteers from across Europe to fight alongside its regular army in what is known as the “anti-terrorist operation” (ATO). In November 2015, we put international sanctions against Russia following its involvement in east Ukraine. These measures have significantly impacted the Russian economy, contributing to a significant decline in prices for essential commodities such as oil and gas.
Since late 2016 there has been an upsurge in
Putin’s Plans for Russia
The Kremlin has outlined a new vision for Russia, focusing on revitalizing the country’s past glories. Putin’s plans call for an aggressive foreign policy, increased military spending, and a return to Russian dominance worldwide.
Putin’s plans have been met with mixed reactions from both Russians and foreigners. Some experts believe his goals can be achieved, while others fear he is leading Russia down a dangerous path. Whether or not Putin’s goals are realized, they mark a significant change in Russian thinking and may herald a new era of tension between Moscow and Kyiv.
What is happening in Ukraine?
Since the ouster of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014, relations between Russia and Ukraine have deteriorated rapidly. The events in Ukraine are part of a more significant conflict between Russia and the West over the role of Russia in the world.
In early March 2014, while still president, Yanukovych agreed to a trade deal with the European Union. It angered Russian President Vladimir Putin, who felt that Ukraine was aligning too closely with countries he sees as enemies. In response, Putin called for a referendum on independence for Crimea, which Russia annexed in March 2014. The independence referendum took place on 16 March 2014, and 97% of residents voted to join Russia. It led to protests in Kyiv and other cities against the Russian annexation.
On 18 May 2014, pro-Russian separatists seized government buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk provinces in the east of Ukraine, effectively declaring secession from Ukraine. Both the United States and Europe have condemned this action as terrorism. The governments of Canada and Australia have also expressed their concerns about possible Russian involvement in these separatist movements.
The European Union’s Response to the Crisis
The European Union (EU) has quickly condemned Russia for its actions in Ukraine and has imposed sanctions on Moscow. The EU also plans to send 400 military observers to Ukraine in addition to the 2,000 already stationed in Crimea. The sanctions have significantly impacted the Russian economy, and Vladimir Putin has responded by ordering forces into Ukraine.
The conflict in Ukraine is a result of years of tension between the east and the West of the country. Russia is a former Soviet republic, while Ukraine is an eastern European country that became independent in 1991. The two countries have differed politically since then, with Russia supporting a stable government in Kyiv while Ukrainians desire more autonomy. In 2014, pro-Russian separatists began taking control of eastern Ukraine territory.
In response to the crisis, NATO has announced that it will set up a Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) to assist with security in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It comes after NATO member states agreed at their summit last month not to deploy permanent force units or establish new bases near Russia’s borders.
What will happen next?
Russia and Ukraine are currently in a new Cold War. The West has accused Russia of invading Ukraine, while Russia claims that the Ukrainian government is illegitimate and is not following the rule of law. There have been reports of Russian soldiers entering Crimea, an autonomous region in Ukraine, which has provoked an international outcry. There is a danger that this could lead to full-scale conflict between the two countries.
