Editor’s note: The following article was written prior to February 14, 2022.
Tensions continue to rise as Russia’s estimated 130,000 troops surround Ukraine’s border. For several weeks, Russia has continued to amass troops outside of Ukraine and Belarus. However, despite the continued urgency of the situation — threats of invasion, increased sanctions and talk of war — all is at a standstill as the world waits on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s next move.
Russia’s interest in Ukraine is not a new appeal. The countries have a long history, as Ukraine was one with the Soviet Union until full independence was granted in 1991. Nevertheless, despite full self-governance, Russia continued claims that Ukraine was still a part of Russia. Putin annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 to further prove that Ukraine still belonged to Russia.
Why is Russia threatening the invasion of Ukraine today? In 2008, Ukraine applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, more commonly known as NATO. This organization is comprised of 30 countries that have formed a global alliance. Russia claims that Ukraine joining an organization such as NATO would be interpreted as an act of war, as NATO and the United States have allegedly defied agreements with Russia since the 1990s.
Many question the importance of the United States and NATO defending the country of Ukraine.
In an interview conducted by NPR, United States Congressman Gregory Meeks said, “Democracy is at stake. If we allow Vladimir Putin to come into a sovereign territory and threaten its democracy or take its democracy, then we are allowing others to do the same, which in turn, reverberates on us. We’ve got to unite with one message to say that’s not going to happen.”
If Russia were to absorb Ukraine, there would be global long-lasting repercussions, one of which could possibly lead to China trying to reclaim Taiwan as China joins Russia in opposition to NATO expansion.
Putin has given the United States and NATO a list of demands and claims. If these claims are not met, Russia will not stand down. The United States, despite a push from Russia, is doing its best to de-escalate the situation and has given Russia a peaceful proposal. Nonaggression with Russia continues to be the best option as this could escalate to a world war involving NATO, the United States and Russia. Nonetheless, Russia holds the key to war or peace.
