Putin's Imperial Ambitions

Vladimir Putin's vision for Russia is driven by a desire to resurrect the Russian Empire, reflecting a long-standing belief that Ukraine is integral to this ambition. In a published essay, he asserts that Ukrainians are simply Russians with regional accents, illustrating a deep-rooted perspective on national identity. The invasion of Ukraine is fueled by multiple factors, including a rejection of Ukraine's shift towards democracy and a determination to reclaim territory thought lost after the fall of the Soviet Union. This ideological stance is underpinned by a perception that Ukraine belongs within the Russian sphere of influence, making its independence a direct threat to Putin's goals.