Why Russia wants Ukraine?

26/03/2023 12:09:06

Russia's interest in Ukraine stems from several factors, including historical, strategic, economic, and geopolitical considerations.

Strategic importance

Ukraine is strategically located between Russia and Europe, making it an important transit country for energy supplies and a key buffer zone for Russian security.

Ukraine's strategic location is one of its most valuable assets, as it is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its location provides several advantages, including:

1. Gateway to Europe: Ukraine serves as a gateway to Europe for countries in Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus region. The country's land borders with seven countries, including Russia, Poland, and Hungary, provide access to a vast market of over 500 million consumers.

2. Black Sea access: Ukraine's southern coast along the Black Sea provides access to major shipping routes and connects the country to other Black Sea countries, including Russia, Turkey, and Georgia.

3. Energy transit: Ukraine is a major transit country for energy resources, including natural gas and oil, flowing from Russia to Europe. The country's pipeline network connects Russia's energy resources to Western Europe, making it an important player in the global energy market.

4. Agricultural production: Ukraine's fertile soil and favorable climate make it one of the largest agricultural producers in Europe, with a significant share of its agricultural exports going to other European countries.

5. Human capital: Ukraine has a large pool of highly skilled and educated workers, making it an attractive location for businesses looking to tap into a talented workforce.

Overall, Ukraine's strategic location offers several advantages for businesses looking to expand their reach into Europe, Asia, and beyond. Its location provides access to a vast market of consumers, a valuable transit route for energy resources, and a talented workforce, among other benefits.

Historical and cultural ties

Ukraine was once part of the Soviet Union, and many Russians still see Ukraine as part of their sphere of influence. Additionally, there are many ethnic Russians living in Ukraine who may feel closer to Russia than to Ukraine.

There are several reasons why Ukraine is afraid of going back to the Soviet era:

1. Political Repression: The Soviet era was characterized by political repression, where citizens were not allowed to speak freely, and political opposition was suppressed. Ukrainians remember the brutal oppression of their rights under the Soviet regime, and they fear that a return to this type of governance would result in the same kind of repression.

2. Economic Decline: The Soviet era was also characterized by economic decline, with the country's economy being centrally controlled and managed. Ukrainians fear that a return to this type of economy would lead to economic stagnation and decline, which would negatively impact their quality of life.

3. Loss of Independence: Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and many Ukrainians value their independence and sovereignty. They fear that a return to the Soviet era would mean losing their independence and becoming subject to Russian control.

4. Cultural Suppression: During the Soviet era, Ukrainian culture was often suppressed in favor of Russian culture. Ukrainians fear that a return to the Soviet era would mean the suppression of their language and culture once again.

Access to warm-water ports

Russia's access to warm-water ports is limited, and it currently relies on the port of Sevastopol in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The ports in Ukraine, such as Odessa and Mariupol, would provide Russia with additional access to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Ukraine has several warm-water ports that are strategically located along the Black Sea coast. Some of the strong points of these ports include:

1. Strategic location: Ukraine's warm-water ports are located in strategic positions along the Black Sea coast, providing access to major shipping routes and connecting Ukraine to other countries in the region.

2. Natural depth: The ports have natural depth, which makes them suitable for handling large vessels and cargo ships.

3. Modern infrastructure: Ukraine has invested heavily in modernizing its port infrastructure, including building new container terminals, upgrading existing facilities, and improving the road and rail connections to the ports.

4. Special economic zones: Ukraine has established several special economic zones in the vicinity of its warm-water ports, which provide favorable tax and regulatory conditions for businesses operating in these areas.

5. Availability of skilled labor: Ukraine has a large pool of skilled labor, including engineers, technicians, and dockworkers, who are trained in the latest port handling techniques and technologies.

6. Competitive costs: Ukraine's warm-water ports offer competitive costs compared to other ports in the region, making them an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce their transportation costs.

Overall, Ukraine's warm-water ports offer several advantages for businesses looking to access the Black Sea region and beyond, including strategic location, modern infrastructure, and competitive costs.

Economic

Ukraine is rich in natural resources, including iron ore, coal, and agricultural land. Russia may be interested in gaining control of these resources.

Ukraine is the sixth-largest producer of iron ore in the world, and it also has significant reserves of coal, which are used to generate electricity. The country has also recently discovered significant natural gas reserves in its Black Sea shelf. Additionally, Ukraine has vast fertile land, making it an important agricultural producer, especially for wheat and corn.

The natural resources of Ukraine provide the country with significant economic opportunities. For example, the mining industry creates jobs and generates revenue for the country, while the agricultural sector provides food and income for the population.

However, it's worth noting that despite having significant natural resources, Ukraine has faced challenges in fully capitalizing on them. The country's mining industry, for instance, has struggled with outdated technology, poor infrastructure, and corruption, which have limited its productivity and profitability. Additionally, Ukraine's agricultural sector has faced similar challenges, including a lack of investment in modern farming techniques and infrastructure.

Geopolitical power

By exerting control over Ukraine, Russia would increase its geopolitical power and influence in the region.

Ukraine's geopolitical power is further amplified by its role in regional security, including its participation in international organizations such as NATO and the United Nations. Ukraine has also played a crucial role in international efforts to combat global issues such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and climate change.

It is important to note that these are just some of the potential reasons why Russia may want Ukraine, and that there may be other factors at play as well.