Nagpur: All eyes are on Russia and Ukraine after Russia has amassed an estimated 10,000 troops along its border with Ukraine.
The only question that arises in everyone’s mind is – Is Russia going to invade Ukraine? In mid-January Russia began moving its troops into Belarus—the country which borders both Russia and Ukraine for joint military exercises in February.
In the latest, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video address to the nation said that they have been informed that February 16 will be the day of the attack by the Russian troops.
Ukraine and Russia- What’s the history?
30 years ago, Ukraine gained independence, after the fall of the Soviet Union. Since then the country has struggled to combat corruption and bridge the internal divisions. Tensions rose between the two nations when Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych rejected an agreement with the European Union back in 2013. The agreement was in favour of closer ties with Moscow. Turning down the agreement saw a large number of protests which led to overthrowing him as the leader in 2014.
Following the crisis in 2014, the Russian troops saw the opportunity and took control of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Three years later, in 2017, the Ukraine and European Union signed an agreement for opening markets for free trade of goods and services as well as visa-free travel for Ukrainians across all EU nations.
What does Russia want from Ukraine?
The power-hungry Russia sees North Atlantic Alliance (NATO’s) support to Ukraine as a threat to itself and that’s the reason why Moscow is against Kyiv joining the NATO. Another demand by Moscow stated to halt any NATO drills near Russia’s border and also wants the international organization to withdraw its forces from the Eastern Europe.
US President Joe Biden had earlier said that if Russia invades Ukraine, there will be severe consequences and will be sending in their troops. Meanwhile, on the other hand, China has extended full support to the Putin-led Russian government.
This invasion is being termed as the beginning of ‘world war 3,’ with several countries choosing their sides.
