Unraveling the Russo-Ukraine Conflict: Historical Roots, and Geopolitical Dynamics

The second Russo-Ukrainian war has been going since February of 2022 and has become the biggest war in Europe since World War 2. The violent outbreak of this war began on the 24th of February when a huge assault of Russian trucks, tanks, infantry, and aircraft went across the border on a mass invasion of Ukraine. This has since sent the economy in Europe into a place of uncertainty and the power balance in question.

The Ukraine war has been an extremely violent conflict with missiles targeting everything from bases, to civilian apartment complexes, to the power grids, and government building.In an attempt to disorient and make the Ukrainian government submit to them in the fastest way possible. This act of violence was a surprise to mostly everyone across the world, although it did not go as well for the Russians as was thought to go. As mostly every European nation backed them and sent aid.

The Russians set up a referendum to annex provinces from Ukraine on the 30th of September , 2022. Russia, amid an ongoing invasion of Ukraine, unilaterally declared its annexation of areas in and around four Ukrainian Oblasts, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya. The Russians have many different strategic and political gains to achieve in taking these provinces.

The Kremlin wanted to annex because of the defense of Crimea. If they lost this province it would open a strategic bridge-way to steamroll Crimea, and the Ukrainians could block the Salhyr river to dry up the crops there. They also want to annex Zaporizhya, it holds the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe. It is a vital target for the Russians because it produces a lot of energy. The Russians also had an interest in the region of Luhanks as they had already had a strong pro Russian population and actively supported the Russians. Invading the area and gaining territory would be much easier than others as they would open up to them much more easily and less with a fight. The last state the Russians wanted to occupy is Donetsk, the reason why is because it was a big industrial hub in the soviet era which Russia lost when the soviet union dissolved in 1991.

The second Russo-Ukrainian war, ongoing since February 2022, is Europe's largest conflict since WWII. Russia's sudden invasion of Ukraine disrupted the region's economy and raised questions about power dynamics. The violence has been severe, targeting civilian areas, infrastructure, and government buildings. Despite initial surprises, European nations rallied to support Ukraine.

Russia's annexation of Ukrainian provinces serves strategic interests. Kherson is vital for Crimea's defense, Zaporizhzhya hosts Europe's largest nuclear plant, Luhansk has a pro Russian population, and Donetsk holds historical significance.This ongoing conflict underscores the complexity of geopolitics and highlights the need for global cooperation in achieving lasting peace and security.

By Manuel.J.Motto

Site Editor/Journalist