IMHO the reason for the whole war is that NATO was expanding and threatening them. If Ukraine joined NATO they would be fucked and it would only be a matter of time before Russia was attacked.
I don't love Russia or Putin, but I think this idea that this is all about their aggression is not accurate. If they sat back and did nothing they would be screwed.
The false assumption is that Russia would think NATO would attack Russia from Ukraine. NATO would have no interest in trying to invade Russia. Would any country want to invade Russia? I guess their oil reserves could be an attraction, but the cost of an invasion in money and lives would far outweigh the value of the oil, and it would be very unlikely outside forces would be able to conquer Russia.
The threat would be biological weapons and internal dissent, leading to (ta-da!) REGIME CHANGE.
Remember that it has been revealed that the Ukrainian army was preparing for a massive attack against the Donbass, to wipe out the ethnic Russian population. This had been timed for something like February 28th. Russia invaded on February 24th.
I am sorry to say I don't recall a specific source. I do recall it being commented on in several places that I read, without much fuss or objection being made about the allegation. It was surprising news, but it surely would have explained the timing of Putin's move. I think that must have been why such a large Ukrainian armed force had been gathered near the Donbass.
Putin jumped first, quickly got to Kiev, and pinned those forces in place so they couldn't reinforce anyone, and had the rest of the invasion proceed along the east and southern borders to consolidate the Lugansk and Donetsk, hold key cities, and attain some of the main objectives. Now they are in Phase II, the encirclement of the UKR forces in the Donbass and wearing them down in a "cauldron" of barrage.
IMHO the reason for the whole war is that NATO was expanding and threatening them. If Ukraine joined NATO they would be fucked and it would only be a matter of time before Russia was attacked.
I don't love Russia or Putin, but I think this idea that this is all about their aggression is not accurate. If they sat back and did nothing they would be screwed.
The false assumption is that Russia would think NATO would attack Russia from Ukraine. NATO would have no interest in trying to invade Russia. Would any country want to invade Russia? I guess their oil reserves could be an attraction, but the cost of an invasion in money and lives would far outweigh the value of the oil, and it would be very unlikely outside forces would be able to conquer Russia.
The threat would be biological weapons and internal dissent, leading to (ta-da!) REGIME CHANGE.
Remember that it has been revealed that the Ukrainian army was preparing for a massive attack against the Donbass, to wipe out the ethnic Russian population. This had been timed for something like February 28th. Russia invaded on February 24th.
Revealed by whom?
I am sorry to say I don't recall a specific source. I do recall it being commented on in several places that I read, without much fuss or objection being made about the allegation. It was surprising news, but it surely would have explained the timing of Putin's move. I think that must have been why such a large Ukrainian armed force had been gathered near the Donbass.
Putin jumped first, quickly got to Kiev, and pinned those forces in place so they couldn't reinforce anyone, and had the rest of the invasion proceed along the east and southern borders to consolidate the Lugansk and Donetsk, hold key cities, and attain some of the main objectives. Now they are in Phase II, the encirclement of the UKR forces in the Donbass and wearing them down in a "cauldron" of barrage.