The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted for many years, which has aroused widespread concern in the international community. This conflict involves geopolitical disputes, territorial disputes, ethnic issues, economic interests and geostrategy between the two countries. This paper will deeply discuss the causes of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and how the fuse triggered this conflict.
I. Territorial dispute: Crimean crisis
The Crimean peninsula in Ukraine has always been a disputed area between Russia and Ukraine. In 20 14, a political crisis occurred in the Ukrainian government, which led to the change of Ukrainian leadership. At this time, Russia used the chaotic situation of the Ukrainian government to send troops to occupy the Crimean peninsula. This move triggered protests from Ukraine and condemnation from the international community, further escalating the tension between Russia and Ukraine.
Second, ethnic issues: the opposition between pro-Russian and pro-European factions in eastern Ukraine.
Eastern Ukraine has always been dominated by pro-Russian and pro-European factions. Pro-Russian factions are mainly concentrated in Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine. They advocate maintaining close relations with Russia and oppose Ukraine's approach to Europe. On the other hand, pro-Europeans believe that Ukraine should join the EU and maintain close ties with western countries. The contradiction between the two factions escalated, which eventually led to the outbreak of armed conflict.
Third, economic benefits: energy dependence and natural gas disputes.
Ukraine is an important energy transit country for Russia, and Russia is the main natural gas supplier for Ukraine. In the past few years, the gas dispute between Ukraine and Russia has been escalating. Russia has repeatedly interrupted the supply of natural gas to Ukraine, which has seriously affected the Ukrainian economy. This economic dispute also aggravated the tension between the two countries and eventually turned into a conflict.
Four. Geo-strategy: Russian hegemonism
Russia has been trying to maintain its influence in the former Soviet Union and try to prevent Ukraine from moving closer to the west by various means. Russia believes that Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO will pose a threat to its geostrategic interests, so it has taken military intervention measures. Russia's hegemonic behavior has aroused strong concern and condemnation from the international community, and also aggravated the tension between Russia and Ukraine.