Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has articulated several reasons for the military invasion. His justifications have evolved and varied over time, but key themes have emerged consistently:
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Protection of Russian Speakers: One of Putin's principal arguments has been the claim that Russia needed to protect ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in Ukraine, particularly in the eastern regions, such as Donetsk and Luhansk. He accused the Ukrainian government of committing genocide against these populations and framed the intervention as a humanitarian mission.
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Denazification: Putin has described the Ukrainian government as being influenced by neo-Nazi elements, particularly citing some extremist groups within Ukraine. He claimed that the goal of the invasion was to "denazify" Ukraine, suggesting that the Ukrainian government posed a violent threat to its own people and to Russia.
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NATO Expansion: Putin has expressed long-standing concerns about NATO's eastward expansion, viewing it as a direct threat to Russian national security. He argued that Ukraine's potential accession to NATO would encircle Russia and threaten its borders. The invasion was positioned as a means to prevent Ukraine from becoming a NATO member and being integrated into what he perceives to be a hostile military alliance.
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Historical and Cultural Claims: Putin has made historical claims about the unity of Russians and Ukrainians, framing Ukraine as an integral part of Russia's history and identity. He has argued that Ukraine's sovereignty is an artificial construct shaped by Western influence. This narrative has been used to justify the idea that Ukraine should remain within Russia's sphere of influence.
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Security Concerns: Beyond NATO, Putin has cited broader security concerns, claiming that Ukraine's alignment with the West is part of a larger strategy to undermine Russia. He argues that the West's support for Ukraine could lead to destabilization in the region that would directly affect Russian security.
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Strategic Interests: The geopolitical landscape, including control over resources and access to the Black Sea, has also been highlighted as a motivation for the invasion. Control over Crimea and ensuring Russian influence in the region has been a strategic goal for Russia.
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Western Influence and Interference: Putin has framed much of the narrative around the invasion as a response to Western interference in the post-Soviet space, claiming that Western nations are seeking to weaken Russia and assert control over its neighbors.
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Self-Determination for Donbas: In the lead-up to and during the invasion, Putin recognized the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, arguing that the people there had the right to self-determination. This was used as a basis for military intervention to "defend" those regions against what he claimed was Ukrainian aggression.
These justifications have been met with significant skepticism internationally. Many view the invasion as an unprovoked act of aggression against a sovereign nation, leading to widespread condemnation and sanctions against Russia from various countries and organizations worldwide.