Ukraine Russian War Live Update

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s: Russia may begin new offensive soon, U.S. officials say, as Kyiv hit by strike

Background

Despite being an independent country since 1991, Ukraine has been perceived by Russia as being part of its social and economic sphere of interest. Political analyst Iulian Chifu and his co-authors claim that in regard to Ukraine, Russia pursues a modernized version of the Brezhnev Doctrine on "limited sovereignty", which dictates that the sovereignty of Ukraine cannot be larger than that of the Warsaw Pact prior to the demise of the Soviet sphere of influence.^[13] This claim is based on statements of Russian leaders that possible integration of Ukraine into NATO would jeopardize Russia's national security.^[13]

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, both nations retained very close ties. At the same time, there were several sticking points, most importantly Ukraine's significant nuclear arsenal, which Ukraine agreed to abandon in the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances on the condition that Russia (and the other signatories) would issue an assurance against threats or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine. In 1999, Russia was one of the signatories of the Charter for European Security, where it "reaffirmed the inherent right of each and every participating State to be free to choose or change its security arrangements, including treaties of alliance, as they evolve".^[14] Both would prove futile in

Ukraine says kindergarten shelling in east a ‘big provocation’ by pro-Russ

Russia Ukraine crisis: Here’s all you need to know

NATO allies are fearing a potential invasion by Russia as the nation is stepping up support for Kyiv. However, Moscow claims it is vital for security reasons and is blaming NATO. Here’s a simple explainer to the Russia Ukraine crisis. What is the Russia Ukraine crisis? Ukraine was a part of the Russian empire for […]

NATO allies are fearing a potential invasion by Russia as the nation is stepping up support for Kyiv. However, Moscow claims it is vital for security reasons and is blaming NATO. Here’s a simple explainer to the Russia Ukraine crisis.

What is the Russia Ukraine crisis?

Ukraine was a part of the Russian empire for centuries. However, the nation got its independence as the USSR broke up in 1991. It soon began shedding its Russian Imperialism and started forging closer ties with the west. Moreover, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych faced rejection for rejecting the EU and moving closer to Moscow. But, Rusia responded by annexing the Crimean Peninsula. The nation was also throwing its weight behind the separatist rebellion which broke out in Eastern Ukraine.

Both, Ukraine and the West believe that Russia is guilty of sending its troops to the rebels. However, Moscow denied and stated that those who joined the separatist were volunteering. Moscow has been strong in criticizing the US and other NATO allies for providing weapons to Ukraine and conducting joint drills. Russia believes this is encouraging the Ukrainian hawks to regain the rebel-held areas of Luhansk and Donetsk by using force.

What is Russia trying to avoid?

Russia does not want Ukraine to join NATO. After all, it is one of the things on the list of security demands send to the US in December 2021. Additionally, Russia does not want any NATO drills near its borders and, wants NATO to withdraw from Eastern Europe. Moscow is currently waiting for the response but, several of its ultimatums are slammed as a non-starter by the West. Putin is seeking guarantees to ensure “that would exclude any further NATO moves eastward and the deployment of weapons systems that threaten us in close vicinity to Russian territory”.

Currently, Ukraine is not a member of NATO however, it wants to change that. But, before becoming a NATO member, they need to remove scourges. Additionally, analysts believe that expanding military footprint in this region can also risk relations with Moscow.