MilitaryPower

Understanding Russia’s Motives for Wanting Ukraine: A Complex Geopolitical Puzzle

Historical and Cultural Ties between Russia and Ukraine The relationship between Russia and Ukraine is complex and goes back centuries. Historically, Ukraine was a part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. Many Russians still view Ukraine as an integral part of their country, and Ukraine’s large Russian-speaking population reinforces this perception. In addition to historical ties, there…