By: John Phoenix
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2014, has been a major source of tension in the international community. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and has displaced millions. The war has also had significant geopolitical implications and has strained the relationships between Russia and many Western nations.
Background:
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, which left Ukraine as an independent nation. Following independence, Ukraine adopted a pro-Western stance and pursued closer ties with Europe and the United States. This was met with resistance from Russia, which saw Ukraine as being within its sphere of influence.
In 2010, pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was elected in Ukraine, but his presidency was marred by accusations of corruption and a lack of commitment to democratic values. In November 2013, Yanukovych’s decision to suspend talks with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia sparked protests in Ukraine. These protests, known as the Euromaidan movement, eventually led to Yanukovych’s ouster in February 2014.
Russian Intervention:
In response to Yanukovych’s removal, Russia annexed Crimea, which had been part of Ukraine since 1954. Russia also provided support to separatist rebels in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, who declared independence from Ukraine. The Ukrainian government launched a military offensive against the separatists, which led to a protracted conflict that continues to this day.
The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that over 13,000 people have been killed since 2014. The war has also had significant humanitarian consequences, with over 1.5 million people being internally displaced and many others fleeing to neighboring countries.
Geopolitical Implications:
The conflict has had significant geopolitical implications, particularly in the relationship between Russia and Western nations. Following the annexation of Crimea, the United States and the European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia, which have had a significant impact on the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has responded by increasing its military presence along its border with Ukraine and engaging in other forms of aggressive behavior.
The conflict has also had implications for the NATO alliance. In response to Russian aggression, NATO has increased its military presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Baltic States. This has led to tensions between NATO and Russia, with both sides accusing the other of engaging in aggressive behavior.
Attempts at Resolution:
Efforts to resolve the conflict have been ongoing, but have been largely unsuccessful. The Minsk Protocol, signed in 2015, was an attempt to establish a ceasefire and a roadmap for a political solution to the conflict. However, the ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, and the political solution has not been realized.
The conflict remains a major source of tension in the international community, and its resolution is likely to require significant diplomatic efforts. While the conflict has largely fallen out of the headlines, it remains a significant issue that has far-reaching implications for the stability of the region and the world.
