Tensions on the Russian-Ukrainian border, an explanatory word
Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops on its border with Ukraine in recent weeks. The West sees this as a form of aggression and fears that Russian President Putin wants to attack Ukraine.
But for Putin, it’s a defense strategy, as Russia feels threatened by NATO, a Western military alliance that has expanded further east in recent years, including countries previously within Russia’s sphere of influence.
Russia is now seeking written assurances from NATO that countries such as Ukraine and Georgia will never join, although they accepted that promise at the 2008 NATO summit. Moscow also wants NATO to withdraw from all new member states such as Poland or the Baltic states. . .
For some time now, diplomatic talks have been taking place at various levels between the West and Russia to prevent the conflict from escalating. NATO is willing to discuss Russian sensitivities, such as disarmament in Europe, but stresses that Russia cannot determine who can or cannot join the alliance.
Are we going to have a military confrontation on the European continent with Ukraine at stake? Putin seems to have the key. He ultimately decides how far Russia will go in achieving its goals. The West warns that Russia faces severe sanctions if it continues to escalate into a military escalation.
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