[The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, Photo credit to pixabay]
[The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, Photo credit to pixabay]

 

There are generally four reasons why Russia invaded Ukraine despite criticism from all over the world.

The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, declared the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on February 20th, 2022. 

This invasion is not only considered just a political but can be further extended as an economic and geopolitical problem in international relations.

First and foremost, natural resources could be deemed a  source of  conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia’s crude oil production is exported to all of Europe through Ukraine, who then collects toll costs in return. However, Russia is dissatisfied with the huge toll cost of Ukraine.

The geopolitical position could be another reason. The land of Ukraine is located  between Europe and Russia, making it the major battlefield during the past wars.

Desiring to expand its influence all throughout Europe, Russia considers Ukraine as the most attractive ground to occupy. 

Thirdly, Ukraine is a world-class wheat country with abundant resources and productive farming due to its granary.

From  Russia’s point of view, a food importing country, it is evident that they were looking for opportunities to capture whenever the possibility arose due to the fact that the rich soil and resources of neighboring countries has always been coveted.

Lastly, Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) had triggered Russia to accelerate their invasion.

As a defense treaty signed by the Western European countries and the United States, NATO is actually a military organization prepared for the response from Russia.

However, in an attempt to be fully independent  from Russia, Ukraine established a relationship with NATO, leading to Russia invading Ukraine.

Witnessing the ongoing  war, the moral is that it is hazardous to solely rely on amiable promises from developed countries such as the West, especially the United States.

 

In other words, when a real war occurs, our people can fall victim to a disastrous war by not receiving practical help and feeling betrayed.

 

Regardless of what happens, there is no doubt that alliances are good to lean on.

However, we should not trust  them too much as they can turn at any time according to the logic of their own interests. 

Ultimately, we must deeply realize that we must focus more on self-defense and be fully prepared.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Kim

Grade 11

Korean International School

 

 

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