Top 9 Reasons Why Russia Wants to Invade Ukraine

That’s right, Russia wants to invade Ukraine—there are many reasons, but that doesn’t make it any less scary. Let’s look at 10 reasons behind Russia want to invade Ukraine, shall we? First, let’s start with an overview of what the conflict is about and then dive into the top 10 reasons Russia wants to invade Ukraine...

1) Russian-Ukrainian relations in the early XX century

The 20th century began for Russia in 1905 with a political crisis triggered by large-scale public dissatisfaction over Russia's defeat in its war with Japan and worsening economic conditions. The unrest led to a mutiny of troops at Port Arthur (now Lüshun, China) on 8 January 1905, causing hundreds of deaths. The mutiny was contained, but it marked an alarming breakdown of law and order. In Moscow, demonstrations erupted after 16 January 1905, because of restrictions placed on Saint Petersburg University by Tsar Nicholas II. He was forced to cancel these measures in order to preserve social peace and his autocratic rule; he chose instead upon his return from Sweden to implement liberal reforms before being killed two months later.

2) Why did Putin visit Crimea

Visiting Crimea is a bold move for Russia's leader. But he will be politically vulnerable if he doesn't go through with it. Following in Germany's Footsteps: Russia is set to do something Germany never has—unite two former territories within its borders, in what many Ukrainians fear will resemble Hitler's annexations during World War II.

To Russia With Love: Russian leaders say their country and ethnic Russians are entitled to be treated better than non-Russians by virtue of being Russian.

Anatomy of an Invasion: The best way for Russia to justify an invasion is if political leaders or government officials are attacked or killed, or civil unrest and chaos erupts out of control.

3) Was there an army coup in Ukraine?

There’s still speculation whether there was an army coup in Ukraine, but it’s not looking likely. There have been antigovernmental protests since November 2013, and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power on February 22, 2014.

His refusal sparked the events to sign an association agreement with European Union leaders. He eventually left Kiev for Kharkiv before fleeing to Crimea. Some reports suggest that there was a war between Russian forces and pro-Ukrainian protesters in Eastern Ukrainian cities such as Donetsk and Kharkiv; however, both Russia and Ukraine deny those allegations.

Putin has stated that he supports pro-Russia protesters’ sovereignty rights, which some say is code for aggression toward eastern Ukrainian territories loyal to Kiev.

4) What was behind the collapse of the USSR?

As a member of both NATO and Warsaw Pact, Russia was unsure how it would be received by western powers after communism’s collapse. This uncertainty played out in conflicts in places like Georgia and Moldova, with Russia supporting rebel groups that ultimately fell under its control. In particular, NATO membership for several former Soviet republics—including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—has spurred Russian action.

The resulting annexation of Crimea was further evidence that Putin wants to rebuild a zone of Russian influence around his country. To stop that from happening, he may try invading eastern Ukraine next. There are plenty of reasons why Putin wants to invade Ukraine: it’s closer than many other targets; it’s rich in resources; and Ukrainian separatists have shown themselves eager for Russian intervention on their behalf.

5) The price of gas – from $165 to $268 per 1,000 cubic meters

With its economy tanking, Russia needs money. The best way to get it is through energy exports and a lot of that gas goes through pipelines in Ukraine. It’s no secret why Russian President Vladimir Putin was so upset when pro-Western protesters overthrew his ally, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Among other things, Putin was worried about losing access to all that cash—and he’s now taking steps to ensure it doesn’t happen.

6) Ukraine needs Russian gas more than ever

To be fair, there are plenty of reasons why Russia would want to invade a country that it is not formally at war with, but has positioned troops on both sides of. One reason Russia might want to invade Ukraine is because it supplies millions of tons of Russian gas every year—about half of Europe’s total supply. Last year alone, Europe relied on Russian energy for more than 40 percent of its natural gas needs. This isn’t surprising since Russia is home to some of Europe’s largest oil and gas reserves and has proven time and again that when it comes down to it, he who owns more energy resources will have greater political power. Of course, European countries realize they’re vulnerable if they rely so heavily on one source for their energy needs.

7) Many Ukrainians hate Russians, but love Russian cars

Long-standing animosity between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in much of its population despising everything Russian. The recent revolution, which ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, was no exception.

Meanwhile, Russia's economy is collapsing as a result of Western sanctions over its annexation of Crimea and its continued support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Vladimir Putin is desperate to maintain control over eastern Ukraine; however, he can't afford another war with NATO—the last one cost $70 billion.

8) Ukraine, can you survive without billions from Moscow?

The Russian government has essentially propped up Ukraine through billions of dollars worth of loans, subsidies and discounted energy prices. Right now, Russia has a vested interest in keeping your country afloat because it fears that a failed state in Eastern Europe could lead to even worse unrest next door in Russia itself.

If Russia invades, though, it will have no choice but to wipe out all that debt with an occupying force—which is why those recent troop movements near your border should worry you so much. Be sure to follow all my updates on Twitter @Graeme_Watson . I look forward to updating you further as events unfold!

9) Is it possible to learn to live without subsidies from Russia?

It's not like Russia hasn't done anything for Yanukovych in exchange for being a Russian vassal. It's given him $15 billion in aid loans since 2010, including a $3 billion loan that was made before he even took office. He might not have control over his own country yet, but he does get full control of some parts of eastern Ukraine. But whether or not Russia actually plans on invading Eastern Europe is something that remains a mystery. While we do know exactly why it's so keen on getting rid of Ukrainian nationalism, we don't know what its long-term plans are now that it has refused to give up its hold on Crimea.

To Wrap It Up!

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