Ten years ago, President Vladimir Putin seized Crimea from Ukraine, a move that boosted his popularity and marked the beginning of Russia’s increased military presence in the region. The annexation of Crimea set the stage for further Russian aggression, leading to a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Putin’s decision to annex Crimea was met with domestic support in Russia, with the slogan “Crimea is ours!” becoming popular among the Russian populace. Putin celebrated the 10th anniversary of the annexation by appearing at a Red Square concert, calling it a historic moment for the country.
As Putin begins another term as president, he is determined to expand Russia’s control over Ukraine, despite waning support from Western nations. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated tensions between Moscow and the West, reminiscent of the Cold War era.
Putin’s aggressive stance towards Ukraine has been fueled by his belief in Russia’s military advantage and the perceived weakness of the West. He has warned of the possibility of nuclear war if Russia’s sovereignty is threatened, further raising concerns about the escalating conflict.
The Minsk agreement, aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine, has stalled, with both sides unable to reach a compromise. Putin’s attempts to capture Kyiv quickly in 2022 failed, leading to a prolonged and bloody conflict that has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
Despite setbacks in the conflict, Putin remains determined to achieve his goals in Ukraine, with some of his advisors even suggesting further land grabs in the region. As the conflict continues to escalate, the coming months will be critical in determining the direction of the conflict and the fate of Ukraine.