The cause of the war can be partly attributed to the Russian leadership's failure to respond positively to Western involvement in Ukraine. Rather than fostering a Ukraine that was independent yet amicable towards Russia, they persistently interacted with Ukrainian politicians embroiled in corruption

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Opposing arguments

Russia's actions were driven by a defensive stance against what it saw as encroaching Western influence in a region it considers crucial for its security.

From a realist perspective in international relations, it is a fundamental and predictable behavior of great powers, such as Russia, to exert significant influence over their neighboring regions to maintain and secure their sphere of influence. This principle is deeply rooted in the concept of Realpolitik, which prioritizes practical and strategic interests over ideological or ethical considerations. In the case of Ukraine, Russia's actions, viewed through this lens, can be seen as a strategic effort to establish a buffer zone and counterbalance the expanding influence of Western alliances like NATO and the European Union. This is not an aberration, but rather a consistent pattern observed in the history of great powers, where nations naturally seek to ensure their security and geopolitical interests by exerting control over areas in their immediate vicinity. Therefore, Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, while controversial, aligns with the historical and practical norms of great power politics, where national interests and security imperatives often dictate foreign policy actions.

Sources

Five Years of War in the Donbas

Supporting arguments

The escalation of conflict in Ukraine could have been significantly mitigated, if not altogether avoided, had Russia chosen to engage in positive diplomatic efforts in response to the increasing Western involvement in Ukraine.

Russia's actions in Ukraine, particularly since the onset of the Maidan Revolution, represent a clear and deliberate strategy to undermine the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. By choosing to intervene in Ukrainian affairs, both politically and militarily, Russia has demonstrated a preference for maintaining Ukraine within its sphere of influence, disregarding the principles of national sovereignty and self-determination.

By opting for a confrontational approach rather than seeking diplomatic solutions and cooperative engagements, Russia not only exacerbated tensions but also missed critical opportunities to contribute to a more stable and favorable regional environment.

Referenced by

Five Years of War in the Donbas

Defense

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