Russia Ukraine Conflict Summary PDF

PDF Name	Russia Ukraine Conflict Summary
No. of Pages	44
PDF Size	1.67 MB
Language	English
PDF Category	Government
Source / Credits	sgp.fas.org
Uploaded By	Pradeep

Russia Ukraine Conflict Summary - Summary

Ukraine has witnessed significant transformations since the 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity (also known as the Euromaidan Revolution). The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has captivated global attention, affecting politics, the economy, and market systems worldwide. Diplomatic efforts by world leaders to resolve this crisis have not shown any signs of progress.

Background of the Conflict

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree with separatist leaders, recognising two regions in Ukraine—Donetsk and Luhansk—as independent entities. He subsequently ordered Russian troops to maintain peace in these breakaway regions. This announcement followed repeated warnings from the West against recognising these two separatist regions, which could jeopardize peace efforts in the area.

Russia Ukraine Conflict Summary

The conflict began when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych turned down an association agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Moscow. This decision led to protests that resulted in his ousting during the Revolution of Dignity. In response, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and supported the separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine.

Following these events, Russia launched an attack in Donbas, which is Ukraine’s industrial heartland. Sadly, over 14,000 lives have been lost in the armed conflict between the Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists.

Ukraine and Western nations accused Russia of deploying troops and supplying weapons to the rebels, a claim that Russia has consistently denied. However, Russia has sharply criticised the US and NATO for providing military support to Ukraine, including weapons and joint military exercises. President Putin has also voiced concerns regarding NATO members establishing military training centres in Ukraine, fearing it would create a military foothold in the region, even if Ukraine does not become a NATO member.

In its security demands, Russia has stated that it does not wish for Ukraine to join NATO and wants to see all NATO drills near its borders cease, along with the withdrawal of NATO troops from Central and Eastern Europe. It is important to note that Ukraine’s admission into NATO requires unanimous approval from the 30 member states. Additionally, Russia regards Ukraine as part of its “sphere of influence,” perceiving it as territory rather than an independent state.

Despite these demands, the US and NATO have rejected Russia’s requests. The West continues to support Ukraine and has pledged to impose financial consequences on Russia should its troops further invade Ukraine.