Pride and Power: Putin's Ambitions in Ukraine

When Vladimir Putin decided to annex parts of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine, the move was not merely an act of territorial expansion. It was a statement of power and a response to what Putin perceives as a western threat. Putin, driven by his desire for a grand Russian empire, has long harbored ambitions that go beyond simple territorial gains.

The Crumbling Justification

Some might argue that Russia's desire for Ukrainian land reflects an inherent territorial expansionism. However, Russia's own territory is already vast, with Siberia and its northern regions not being economically viable. So why does Putin need even more land?

Putin's real motivations are rooted in pride and power. Russia views Ukraine much like a cruel master views a slave. The slave (Ukraine) has chosen to reject western influence, opting instead for a path that potentially undermines Russia's standing in the world. This is more about violating Russia's sense of pride than gaining strategic land. Ukraine's move towards the West is a direct challenge to Russian control and the Kremlin's vision of an expanding Russian sphere of influence.

Western Expansion vs. Russian Narrow Vision

Far from being a beneficiary, the United States and its Western allies are likely driving many of the events in Ukraine. The west is not expansionary; it is focused on creating security and stability in a region that has been historically unstable due to Russian influence. For Putin, any move that pulls Ukraine away from the west is seen as a significant victory for his vision of a Russian-led region.

Putin's rhetoric of territorial expansion is often accompanied by a narrative of western greed. He portrays himself as the last defender of Russian values against the encroachment of western influence. However, this narrative is hollow. In reality, Putin's Russia has failed to develop its own resources effectively. Siberia, despite being vast, lacks economic viability, and the same can be said for many of Russia's other territories. Ukraine, on the other hand, offers valuable resources, fertile land, and strategic ports that Russia badly needs.

Strategic and Economic Necessities

Ukraine's agricultural and maritime resources are crucial for Russia's future. Ukraine has vast farmlands that can produce significant amounts of grain, essential for both domestic consumption and export. Additionally, Ukraine's ice-free ports provide strategic advantages for exporting goods, something that Russia has struggled with due to harsh winters. Sevastopol, with its naval base, is a strategic asset that would not only enhance Russia's military capabilities but also serve as a gateway to control key waters and trade routes.

Moreover, historically, Russian foreign policy has revolved around establishing buffer states to protect their western borders. Belarus and Ukraine have been key to this strategy. Ukraine's proximity to Russia's strategic heartland, specifically Moscow, makes it particularly important for Russia. The desire to push back a perceived western border is not just about land but about maintaining a strategic leverage over the region.

Centuries of Expansionist Ambitions

Putin's actions are part of a long history of Russian expansionism that stretches back to the days of the Tzar and even earlier. Tsarist Russia, the Soviet Union, and Putin's Russia all share the same imperialist ideology. This has led to repeated conflicts and invasions, often at the expense of local populations and economies.

Instead of focusing on developing and making the best use of the vast territory they already control, Russian leaders have pursued a policy of imperial conquest. This has not only resulted in financial and economic inefficiencies but has also led to severe consequences for the target regions. The Kremlin's strategy of conquest has repeatedly failed to bring stability or prosperity to the invaded territories, including Ukraine.

To break the cycle of failure and destruction, the international community must put pressure on Russia to adopt a more nuanced and development-focused approach. The world cannot allow the Kremlin's unchecked ambitions to continue devastating lives and economies. Stopping and humbling Putin and his regime may be the only way to ensure a more stable and prosperous future for Ukraine and the region as a whole.

As long as the Kremlin prioritizes pride and power over sensible governance, the cycle of expansion and chaos is likely to continue. It's time for the international community to come together and address this issue before it spirals out of control.