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.