Why does Russia want to invade Ukraine so badly?

Question

Is it political? Is there some resource the Ruskies want?

DaveJord · Accepted Answer

Before the Ukraine was a vassal of the Ottoman Empire known as the Cossacks Hetmante in 1664. By the end of the Russo-Turkish wars in 1775 it was annexed to Russia with the Treaty of Pereyaslav. Large parts of the Country of the Ukraine, as we know it today, remained under Austrian, Polish and Lithuanian Control until 1793, when it was all annexed by Russia.

The Country of the Ukraine came into existence following the Communist Revolution in 1917. It did have periods of autonomous rule from 1917 to 1922, but large parts of the country was broken up into different states under Polish, Czechoslovakia and Romania control. But the Ukrainian War of Independence came to and in 1922, and the Ukraine became the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and by all intent and purposes was a vassal state to Russia. This lasted until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 and Ukraine for the first time became its own sovereign state.

In 1994 Russia ceded Crimea to the Ukraine under the agreement that the Ukraine would never join NATO... but in 2014 Ukraine was rumored to be interested in joining NATO. In 2014 Russia annexed the Crimea from the Ukraine and the tensions began.

So why did Russia annex Crimea? Basically because Crimea is a huge strategic naval base for the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Control over the Black Sea is huge deal for Russia's national security, and as Ukraine became more pro- western it was became more Anti-Russian. Russia proper has always maintained buffer states between its home land and the west. So the Ukraine has always been a key strategic strong hold against Western encroachment and its own finical independence.

If Russia ever wants to build a oil pipe line from the Middle East through Turkey to Black Sea, it needs control over Crimea and then Ukraine in order to by pass the US embargos and sanctions on Russian Oil production. Which in 2020 Russia announced a new pipe line to be built from Syria through Turkey... when Trumps pulled American forces out of Syria. This would allow Russia to by pass the Mediterranean Sea and avoid U. S/NATO sanctions, by building a pipeline from Syria through Turkey to the Black Sea. Then Oil could be shipped from Turkey to Crimea and then across Ukraine into Eastern Europe. Which would off set the American economic interests in the Region.

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

There are a number of important reasons why Ukraine is wanted by Russia. Several have already been mentioned but others have not.

A buffer zone from NATO.
Ukraine has been Russia's primary access to the Black Sea, and there are 3 large, deep-water ports in and near Odessa that handle a huge amount of shipping. There are a total of 18 sea ports along the coast of Ukraine, and Russia's ports in the Baltic, the Black Sea is open year round, and has easy access to the Mediterranean, and thus a path through the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, which means the east coast of Africa, India, and through to the Pacific. Without these ports, Russian sea access is pretty limited, especially in Winter.
In addition to the trade/shipping issues affected by the above points, there's also the military/naval aspect. Good weather sea ports are important to any major country.
Currently, Russia is a primary supplier of oil and natural gas to Eastern Europe. Biden's Ukraine involvement is all about running a pipeline through Ukraine, which will reduce the value of Russian oil and gas, as competition brings down prices. This money is a huge part of the Russian hard currency, and without it Russia will suffer financially.
Ukraine is the bread basket of the region, much as the Midwest and prairie states are for the US. Russia would not survive without imported food but that requires hard currency if they are separate countries - Putin prefers the old way, where the Soviets just need took it.
Putin generally desires to rebuild the USSR, not because he has any love for Socialism, but because he would be dictator of a much larger area of the world, and could steal more resources for himself and his friends - much like the capital city (Panem) in the Hunger Games. The idea that he cares about "the districts" is laughable.

Russia is a huge country with lots of people and natural resources, but, like Canada, much of it is inhospitable much of the year and, despite its immense size, has poor access to the sea from its own borders. For such a large country, its economy is relatively small, smaller than California's.

Bel88 · Accepted Answer

They're not going to invade the Ukraine. Resources? Russia has more than enough of everything. It isn't Russia that invades countries for their resources, but the United States. Stop projecting.

Gwenhwyfar · Accepted Answer

Probably oil. Also because Putin wants to restore the old Soviet Union.

MarkRet · Answer

Several reasons.
1. Vladimir Putin would love to restore Russia to it’s Soviet greatness by getting as much former Soviet territory as possible.
2. Russia wants land access to Crimea, as they have a fleet there.
3. Ukraine has been talking about possibly joining NATO, which would have Putin worried. He doesn’t want NATO getting any closer.
4. In the 1960s, the Soviet Union had a ‘Russianization’ policy, where they would settle Russian families in their non-Russian republics. These ethnic Russians were put in the drivers seat in these republics. When the Soviet Union collapsed, these republics became independent, and the ethnic Russian minority suddenly found itself powerless in these new republics, so they started screaming about oppression and discrimination. Of course, Putin would gladly send troops, tanks, or whatever to these ‘oppressed’ ethnic Russians.
5. Despite having a large chunk of their territory poisoned by Chernobyl. Ukraine still has the biggest and best farmland in Europe.

NamerOfStars · Answer

A buffer zone. NATO keeps pushing eastward, even as American Presidents keep saying "no, really, this will be the LAST one". There are Baltic countries that literally SHARE A BORDER with Russia that are part of it.

The Cuban missile crisis began because the Soviets put up a military base near the US border- but that was ninety miles further away from the US than Ukraine is from Russia. How did that crisis work out? Well, a US destroyer group, which shouldn't've been there in the first place, spotted a Soviet sub, and started firing depth charges. The Soviet crew, taking these as the opening shots of World War 3 (which they kind of were), had to decide what to do. Oh, and this sub? It was a "boomer", carrying a nuclear-tipped torpedo. Had they fired it, the destroyer group would've been crippled or wiped out, the explosion would've been detected, and nuclear war would've broken out. But firing that required a unanimous vote from the command crew. The captain votes "yes". The political officer (Soviets, remember) votes "yes". The second-in-command, a man named Vasily Arkhipov, votes "let's not destroy civilization today". With that option out, they decide to surface instead, figuring if the US destroys them, they won't be responsible for wiping out humanity. The destroyers back down, realizing what they almost did, and war was averted.

BY ONE VOTE. One man, whose name you've probably never heard, saved civilization. Do you really want to risk that happening again?

Massageman · Answer

Mineral resources are way up there considering the relatively small area of the Ukraine. The natural resources of Ukraine can be divided into three main groups; energy resource, metal ores, and non-metal ores. Although it accounts for only 0.4% and 0.8% of the Earth’s land surface and world’s population respectively, the country has approximately 5% of the world’s mineral resources. Over 20,000 deposits of 194 known minerals can be found in Ukraine. Of these deposits discovered, 7,800 deposits of over 90 hold important industrial minerals. Ukraine has one of the leading reserves and extraction of manganese, iron, and non-metallic raw material. Ukraine has enough coal for the next 500 years. It is the largest hydrocarbon fossil resource of Ukraine, accounting for 95% of the fossil resource. Ukraine has the world’s 7th largest and Europe’s 2nd largest coal reserve at about 34 billion tons. Other sources have estimated the reserves to be approximately 115 billion tons. Coal accounts for about 44% of the fuel for energy generating companies, making it the second-most important fuel after nuclear. Ukraine was also estimated to hold over 1.1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, ranking it 26th among the countries with proven gas reserves. It is also estimated to hold over 135 million tons of oil and 3.7 billion tons of shale oil reserves. The country also has reserves of gas condensate of about 80,000 tons. The Ukraine alone has an estimated 27 billion tons of iron ore reserves and ranks 6th in global iron ore production. Ukraine is in the top ten producers of manganese ore in the world and has the largest manganese ore reserve in Europe. In 2010, the country produced over 736,000 metric tons of marketable manganese ores and concentrates, of which some 121,000 metric tons were exported and the rest used domestically to produce ferroalloys. ref World Atlas

007kingifrit · Answer

the resources they want is... buffering zones.

russia has been invaded on average once every 70 years. and they are culturally driven to constantly expect this. russia is primarily invaded along the "novagrad gap" where the current conflict is. this is where hitler, manstein, and napolean all invaded.

every time russia gets invaded they have to lose 10s of millions of people because russia is so flat there are no defensive points to build along. that's why russia lost 37 million in ww2 and germany lost 2 million... and that's 3 fronts for germany and 1 front for russia

so the russians are trying to capture 5 choke points that will allow them to defend without using human wave tactics. they got the first by getting crimea. the next is the danube river (not spelling that right) the 3rd is the caucuses mountains (why they invaded georgia in 2008) the 4th is the lithuanian/estonian territory. and the last is... i forget.

TLDR: russia wants the land as it is easier to defend

MuddyMole · Answer

They want to restore the USSR to its former "glory" - not the socialist aspect of it, but just that it was a respected world super power (the collapse of the soviet union was humiliating for many older Russians, like Putin).

They also want to take control of the major oil and natural gas pipelines that run from Russia, through Ukraine and Belarus, to the rest of Europe. At present, Russia has to pay them for allowing the transport of oil and gas through their countries, which has been the source of ongoing tensions between them (that's why they're building a pipeline in the North Sea - it doesn't pass through any other countries).

That it will cause chaos for NATO and the US, is mostly just an added bonus.

God_of_Thunder · Answer

Putin is claiming that he wants a buffer zone against NATO encroachment.

Personally, I don't believe him. He says that he wants NATO's borders to return to where they were prior to 1997, and everybody knows that isn't going to happen.

He's just using this as an excuse to expand Russian territory, so by demanding something that is essentially impossible, he can justify his land grab.

He's an ex-KGB agent who wants nothing more than to return Russia to the former glory of the USSR, and to see all that land/territory under Russia's control again.

This NATO thing is just a smokescreen, in my opinion.

wkozak · Answer

As i know Ukraine and Russia was under the USSR control, USSR republics were exchanging borders, so it was fine that Russia give Ukraine some piece of land, but now they want their land back, and actually there's some areas in Ukraine most of it's population are Russians, and they want to be independent or be a part of Russia, Ukraine doesn't want it and Russia will welcome it, and Originally all of Ukraine was a part of the Russian empire, and Russia is just saying i do it because of security threats.

tallcuck · Answer

If they wanted to invade it, it would have been invaded. Russians are liberating ethnic Russians living on the wrong side of their borders. The Anglo-American reign of terror is over. The Chinese will destroy America if the Russians won't... There is nothing the west can do. Sanctions are useless. War would end in nuclear war. Russians have bunkers and supplies for 25million people. They are ready to nuke the world if they were about to loose a war. No win for the west. We can just watch and cry...

OpenClose · Answer

Do they? I'm fully convinced it is 20% them wanting to do something and 80% the media crossing their fingers and hoping to God we skip the middle man and go straight to WWIII. Millions of deaths are good for ratings.

Otherwise, I mean we ended the Cold War on the premise that NATO wouldn't expand east of Germany. But we kept going. And going. And going. And there we are in Ukraine. It's like holding a gun to someone's head and saying "why the hostility?".

ohshee · Answer

Because he wants to be talked about just like a famous person would be he wants to be a star He's a Bully he knows he can walk into this country kick their ass and take something from them but he's going to be perceived as a fucking dick no matter what he does I just hope that we have satellites on him so if he does make a move we better have 40 airplanes lined up ready to go it will just go in there and wipe out the whole hundred thousand of them

TheorionMage · Answer

Putin hasn't yet psychologically adjusted to the dissolution of the U. S. S. R.
Given the chance, he desires for being remembered as having re-subjugated the former 'satellites'
despite being even able to retain Cuba's loyalties.
The mere THOUGHT of a former 'satellite' freely petitioning to join NATO is a personal affront!

"Everybody's your 'buddy' as long as YOU'RE buying the beers..."

Dargil · Answer

Ukraine was the Soviet's breadbasket. They can't feed themselves without importing food or occupying Ukraine.

If we no longer had oil and gas reserves, I would not hesitate to occupy Venezuela. They have huge oil reserves and... diamonds. They have the same population as Texas and would welcome us to get rid of their communist government.

Wester1967 · Answer

Why does the US want to support a Nazi government in Ukraine? I'll tell you one thing, Russians are tough MFers who will kick your ass up and down the street and burn themselves up if it means that they take you and your BS out with them. Cosplaying Hitler and Napoleon and copping an attitude about will very well get you surrounded in the middle of winter by Cossacks who will cut your organs out and cook them and eat them in front of you while they watch the life slip TF out of your eyeballs.

Phoenix98 · Answer

They don’t really view the Ukraine as it’s own sovereign nation but rather a part of Russia and its territories.

But im sure they probably also want the natural resources there and for Ukraine to act as a buffer zone between them and nato.

especially since nato has been trying to get Ukraine to join for quite a while.

genericname85 · Answer

because the UN and America is threattening to "bring democracy" to ukraine. which would mean US troops and bombs right at the doorstep of russia. so without this UN push, i think russia wouldn't have "such" big interest in getting in there.

i guess strategically, ukraine is interesting because of it's harbour which can access the atlantic. I don't know if that's a good enough reason for russia to invade.

jasco · Answer

Its not that they want to but more have to. NATO is a enemy to Russia sort of. Russia doesn't want nato to close to its borders and with Ukraine becoming part of NATO, Russia won't be able to defended against them if they come from Europe and the surrounding areas.

ODC2112 · Answer

Putin has a hand coming in from his ass, the hand belongs to Xi Jinping. China is the only one who is interested in destabilizing the West and for this reason he does so through Russia.
Then there is the fact that Putin has been wanting to restore the Soviet Union for years and years.

bulletbob555 · Answer

Well they had been part of Russia before. It also was the breadbasket of Russia when it was part of the Soviet union. Also has energy. Couldn't say what goes on in putins mind. Its been said that people there feel Russia is slipping on world stage politically. One of the reasons they feel that Russia lost face when the different republics broke away and they can redeem themselves by seizing them back

DryGermanGuy · Answer

Putin and his ilk dream about the return of the old Soviet empire. They discuss quite openly the possibilities to return former Soviet dominated countries into their hemisphere.

wankiam · Answer

they dont... its just their annual war games they do every year in this region but biden is loving it as a media con trick to make him look strong just before the mid terms

Mangospacho · Answer

I don’t know either. There’s nothing good there. There’s a few McDonald’s there but there’s no Starbucks or Chick-fil-A. What are the troops even going to eat when they invade if there’s not even a KFC nearby?

AviatorTom · Answer

There are a few reasons: 1. Ukraine has a high population of Russians 2. Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union before its breakup 3. Ukraine is a buffer between Russia and NATO

Slartybartfast · Answer

It's on Putins list, next is Poland. He's litteraly wrote a English essay on the subject. He stated that he wants to restore the firmer borders of the USSR that he considers "historic Russia"

Citizenkirk · Answer

They have wanted Ukraine since before the creation of the Soviet Union, and they are neighbors and the Russian federation can't get over the fact that they don't rule Ukraine anymore.

cryscrys1 · Answer

Because their brain is a Russian salad mess  They need to come to the US eat some Boston Cream hash browns to hush and chill

Prettysammie · Answer

I think Ukraine was talking about joining NATO and Putin doesn’t want NATO on his doorstep. It’s like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Willing to go to war now to not be in a worse position for a war later.

josephinelcajon · Answer

Biden is making you think they want to. They do want them to rejoin the Old Soviet Union RUSSIA from which they were a part of.

ragooo8 · Answer

Ukraine is joining NATO and the EU which means Russia will be surrounded militarly and economically. NATO has been building up on Russia's boarders for over 30 years

OnKoing · Answer

Cos Trump is no longer president and the Russians think they can make a laughing stock of NATO.  Pity really, otherwise they would have a slight uranium problem.

Twalli · Answer

First of all a good number of Ukrainians on Russia's border that speak Russian and think of themselves as Russian. Secondly, Ukraine is considering joining NATO which is a western organization. That threatens Russia's idea of being an eastern power.

Lliam · Answer

It doesn't. It's not planning to. The idea is preposterous.

Blake170 · Answer

He doesn't want to be bordered with a NATO country, maybe because he's afraid that they might spy on him.

Godsvengeance · Answer

They don't. They just also don't want Ukraine to join NATO. They are already surrounded my NATO and aren't looking to have yet another border country potentially housing missiles to be aimed at them

Jamie05rhs · Answer

There are a lot of resources in Ukraine. And the land also has a strategic value due to its location. Also, Putin would like to have the pride and prestige of expanding the empire.

goaded · Answer

To make people forget that they effectively already have invaded?

Agape93 · Answer

Resources and to have the region act as a buffer zone between NATO and them

KostasKouvalis · Answer

They don't. Only the corrupt Biden administration wants that. What's the point of granting them sovereignty, only to reinvade them?

EnglishEuropean · Answer

My feeling is the Putin wants to distract attention from the disaster that is daily life in Russia. On another level Ukraine has strategic importance as a buffer between Russia and the West.

888theGreat · Answer

The media/ Democrats say he does, we don't know. How do you trust media or Biden when they lie everyday? I predicted first thing Biden and Democrats would do is go after Russia.

MrtoddsWildRide · Answer

Putin keeps calling it "My Precious" for some reason

NorthwestRider · Answer

Not sure because Ukraine is not very wealthy  Like any Eastern European country, it is dirt poor

anton_dee · Answer

US and the world banking biggies want a reason to have a war. It ain't nothing bout Russia and Ukraine

TallAnon · Answer

If you're planning to be the strongest force in the world, you need to start your conquest somewhere. If they wait, it will only be harder to get it.

2021biguy · Answer

Most people don't know that millions of Ukrainians died of starvation because of the Russians in WW2. Putin is just like his predecessors.

boobliker · Answer

it just to make people talk about Pootin he feels a bit lost at the mo

OddBeMe · Answer

Putin’s a chaos agent. Read the Shock Doctrine. weird how chaos is such a ladder…to quote GoT.

anylolone · Answer

It doesn't. It wants to politically control ukraine. No military invasion wanted.

Fuentes · Answer

Because Ukraine is our Mexico literally 12 hours from Moscow.

DannyUk2017 · Answer

Is the Gas resources...😉

slatyb · Answer

To prevent The Ukraine from joining NATO.

humanearth · Answer

Political Distraction

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I think this political between USA and Russia

Meihua · Answer

Russia is searching for ww3? It would be horrible.

Likes2drive · Answer

I feel it’s for strategic reasons

IncognitoBandito · Answer

Because it has resources and its sexy

AkshiJanjua · Answer

Because NATO is the real threat to the world

Fritjof · Answer

They want a road connection to Crimea

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I haven't a clue!

Fukaroo · Answer

Terrorists

userxvi · Answer

They don't

Why does Russia want to invade Ukraine so badly?

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