Why is Russia invading Ukraine?

Overview

The video explains Russia’s pressure on Ukraine as a combination of historical claims, strategic concerns, and Vladimir Putin’s domestic political interests. It opens with Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine, its annexation of Crimea, and the ongoing conflict in the Donbas. It warns that any further forced changes to borders would threaten European security.

Historical and Cultural Ties

Russia and Ukraine have deep historical and cultural ties, but Ukraine has been independent since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Putin disputes the legitimacy of Ukraine as a separate state. Meanwhile, many Ukrainians increasingly see their future with the European Union; the video says that 75% of Ukrainians born since 1991 share this outlook.

Russia’s actions—including the annexation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine, which the video says has killed about 14,000 soldiers and civilians—have further alienated Ukrainians.

Ukraine Between Russia and the West

Ukraine’s position between Russia and the West is central to the dispute. Putin wants to keep Ukraine in Russia’s sphere of influence and prevent it from joining NATO, which he views as hostile. The video places this concern in the context of NATO’s eastward expansion after the Cold War, while noting that Ukraine’s early post-independence governments were friendly to Moscow.

Political Shifts and the Conflict

Ukraine’s political shifts challenged Russian influence. In 2004, mass protests known as the Orange Revolution helped defeat Putin-backed candidate Viktor Yanukovych.

Years later, Yanukovych tried to balance ties with Russia and Europe but abandoned an EU agreement in favor of a Russian economic offer. The decision prompted protests, and after his government responded violently, he was ousted. Putin then annexed Crimea and encouraged separatist uprisings in eastern Ukraine.

The video argues that the resulting conflict has also kept Ukraine at a distance from the EU and NATO.

Putin’s Domestic Political Interests

The video links Putin’s foreign policy to his position at home. As his popularity declines and opposition grows—including protests after Alexei Navalny was poisoned and jailed in 2021—contributors argue that conflict with the West helps Putin present himself as Russia’s defender and bolster his legitimacy.

A successful, Western-oriented democracy next door could also offer Russians an alternative model of government. The video concludes that, despite Putin’s domestic political troubles, Ukraine is unlikely to be left in peace.

Presenters and Contributors

The video’s narrator and several unnamed interviewees or commentators are included. No contributors are identified by name in the subtitles.