Ukraine: Russia’s invasion is the start of the Third World War | Yuri Felshtinsky
The Telegraph・33 minutes read
Putin's invasion of Ukraine stems from a broader ambition to rebuild the lost Soviet empire, fueled by dissatisfaction with the 1991 borders and a desire for power and influence over Eastern Europe. Russia's actions in Ukraine serve as a warning to the West, demonstrating the consequences of resisting Russian expansion and highlighting the country's shift towards authoritarianism.
Insights
- Putin's invasion of Crimea in 2014 was a pivotal moment signaling Russia's ambition to rebuild the Soviet empire, driven by dissatisfaction with post-1991 borders and a desire for influence over Eastern Europe.
- The destruction in Ukraine serves as a warning to the world, showcasing Russia's willingness to use extreme measures to assert dominance, with actions likened to those of a fascist state, highlighting the broader strategy of demonstrating consequences for resisting Russian expansion.
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What are Putin's goals in Ukraine?
Putin aims to rebuild the lost Soviet empire through aggressive expansion.
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Summary
00:00
Putin's Ambition: Rebuilding the Soviet Empire
- Dr. Yuri Felshtinsky, a Russian-American historian, discusses Putin's goals and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Putin's invasion of Crimea in 2014 marked the beginning of a larger geopolitical ambition to rebuild the lost Soviet empire.
- Russia's dissatisfaction with the borders established in 1991 and the desire for power and influence over Eastern Europe are key motivations.
- The collective Russian government, not just Putin, aims to build a new empire, evident in aggressive political rhetoric.
- The state security services, historically focused on destruction and control, now control Russia, leading to extreme actions in Ukraine.
- The destruction in Ukraine is part of a broader strategy to show the world the consequences of resistance to Russian influence.
- Russia's actions in Ukraine are akin to a fascist state, with control by former KGB officers and a shift towards authoritarianism.
- The destruction in Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine serves as a warning to other countries considering resistance to Russian influence.
- Putin's goal is to demonstrate to the world that resistance to Russian expansion will result in destruction, as seen in Ukraine.
- The destruction in Ukraine is a message to the West that Russia demands to be heard and will not tolerate opposition to its imperial ambitions.
20:27
Putin's Geopolitical Ambitions and Historical Aggression
- Putin's speech in 2007 in Munich highlighted Russia's dissatisfaction with the borders of 1991.
- Following the speech, Russia invaded Georgia, a complex situation due to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
- The annexation of Crimea by Russia led to global concern, with foreign leaders urging Putin to halt geopolitical ambitions.
- Putin justified actions as correcting historical mistakes post the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991.
- Patricia, a former FSB director, stated Russia's intent to create crises like hunger in Africa to harm Europe.
- NATO recognizes the threat posed by Russia, increasing military budgets and troop numbers.
- Putin claims the conflict is not with Ukraine or Europe but between Russia and the United States.
- Russia's historical aggression includes invasions of Finland, the Baltic states, Romania, and Poland.
- The West's response to Russian aggression has been appeasement to avoid war spreading further.
- Ukraine receives limited military support from the West, despite needing more to combat Russia's military power.
40:57
"Ukrainians resist, Baltic states at risk"
- Ukrainians are willing to die for their freedom, not surrendering despite the threat of destruction.
- Russia's intentions extend beyond Ukraine, with Moldova potentially next due to Russian-speaking areas and issued passports.
- Concerns arise for Baltic states, historically linked to Russia, with a significant Russian population.
- The potential danger of a nuclear strike from Belarus against NATO members like Poland and the Baltic states is highlighted.
- The interviewee, a writer of a controversial book, expresses concerns about personal safety in the face of escalating tensions and the possibility of a full-scale nuclear war.
