Russia's Historical Expansionism

Russia's historical need for expansion stems from its geographic vulnerabilities, particularly the open territories surrounding Moscow. The absence of natural barriers has prompted Russia to continually absorb surrounding regions to protect itself from invasion, a pattern established since the time of the early czars. The loss of control over these territories after the Cold War has led to numerous military operations, with the current conflict in Ukraine being the latest manifestation of this enduring strategy. Russia's historical context suggests that this aggression was not a spontaneous event, but an inevitable consequence of its long-standing quest for security through territorial acquisition.