London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Russia is currently trying to put its foot down and forbid Ukraine from joining NATO, The western military alliance.
The Ukraine has provided a buffer between Russia and the rest of Europe but hopes to one day join the EU and possibly become a member of NATO.
Russia passionately opposes this notion and is desperate to stop the Western Military Alliance from spreading further East across the globe.
Why does Ukraine matter so much?
Tensions have been frayed between the two nations for a number of years, starting when Russia annexed Crimea from the Ukraine in 2014. Low-level fighting has ensued ever since. However, in recent months tensions have risen further with reports of an increase of Russian troops at Ukrainian borders.
Russia is denying that they are preparing to invade their neighboring country.
Joe Biden, US president has warned Russia that they will “respond decisively if Russa further invades Ukraine”. The question remains, how far would the US and EU go to defend the Ukraine if Russia decided to invade?
What does Russia want?
At the end of 2021, Russia outlined several demands to the West regarding Ukraine.
Russia demanded that the US stop any further movement East with NATO and that former Soviet states should not join in the future. The report also stated that the US “shall not establish military bases” or “use their infrastructure for any military activities or develop bilateral military cooperation with them.”
Although not mentioned these demands if met would affect the Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO and possibly the EU in the future.
Why is Russia so bothered by Ukraine’s plans?
Vladimir Putin has made no secret in the past that he thinks the disbandment of the Soviet Union was disastrous for Russia and the worst political decision of the 20th century.
Since its dissolution in the early 90’s the Ukraine has been an important buffer for Russia with the Western world. Not only does it serve as important historical, but Putin has also often described the nations as being “one people” sharing cultures, linguistics, and economies. This enthusiasm to be as one is unfortunately not shared with the Ukraine.
Is Russia prepared to go to war?
The main question on everyone’s lips is how far is Russia willing to go to increase its presence within its neighboring country.
So far, Russia is continuing to deny any plans to invade Ukraine but how much truth lies in these statements is still unsure.
For Russia to move forward with the demands set out in their report to the US they need a “credible invasion threat” to continue but it has been said by both sides that they want to avoid military confrontation.
With more talks on the subject planned in the coming weeks, it’s hoped that Moscow will be satisfied to have its concerns addressed, with some possible accommodation to the demands. Many watch with bated breath in the hopes that the situation does not escalate any further.
