2) With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of the Russian oligarchy, a resurgent Russian imperial drive became more evident. Belorussia and Georgia were early targets for the rising aggression of Vladimir Putin, who saw himself in the mold of a new Stalin.
Comments
Of course, they underestimated Biden, NATO, and Ukraine.
Russian imperial ambition and arrogance led to one of the most colossal Russian military blunders of the last century.
Continual promises of no nato expansion.
Crimea's leader says he will apply to join Russia on Monday. Russia's Vladimir Putin has said he will respect the Crimean people's wishes. Many Crimeans loyal to Kiev boycotted the referendum, & the EU and US condemned it as illegal.
Dishonest broker = U.S.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26606097
By JEFFREY D. SACHS
https://www.jeffsachs.org/newspaper-articles/wgtgma5kj69pbpndjr4wf6aayhrszm
In reality, the Kremlin’s conduct has been primarily driven by the threat of NATO’s expansion along Russia’s border. We had some warning of Russia’s strategic sensibilities three decades ago.
https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/why-nato-expansion-explains-russias-actions-in-ukraine/