It doesn’t take rocket science to understand why they’re trying to join a military alliance that’s invested in defending these principles. Especially since remnants of their former Soviet overlords are willing to breach their sovereignty by invading them. Putin is not a fan of nations he views as Soviet huddling up with the West and doing a way better job economically, because it undermines his power as a Soviet remnant imperialist dictator.
That was a good post. I'll address the last piece.
Ukraine was the crown jewel of the Soviet empire. There is a lot of history between the two nations prior to Ukraine's independence, not to mention that much of Eastern Ukraine is pro-Russian. Putin's view of Eastern Europe occupation by the west is not so different from the American view of Europe and Russia occupation of the Americas. 20th century United States was guided by the Monroe Doctrine - a foreign policy that established the US as the dominant power in the western hemisphere. The US defended South Korea and South Vietnam in what it perceived as a communist expansion. Russia is doing the same as it relates to NATO expansion Eastwards. What is so hard about Ukraine not joining NATO? Ukraine has created the very thing they were trying to avoid. In the process being negated NATO membership and now weakening US support not only for itself, but to NATO as a whole.
Here we clearly see where things are going:
Ukraine's Zelenskyy no longer counting on US support against Russia
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday the time has come for the creation of an “armed forces of Europe" because the U.S. may no longer be counted on to support Europe.
So, Zelensky is whining again and now wants Europe to build an Army and come and save him.
Ukraine and Europe now excluded from US/Russian talks regarding an end to the conflict. What does that tell you? Also, Ukraine was a corrupt country prior to the 2022 invasion. Similar to its neighboring countries that use to be part of the USSR. The politics and the government, regardless of the economy or the quality of life. Actually, that is the reality of most countries in the world. Just look at all the countries in Latin America. All the countries in Africa. Very few countries rise to the level of a United States, France, Britain, Germany, and Italy. Unfortunately, due to Ukraine's location, it faces unique circumstances. It will be forever tied to Russia.
One thing I will say is that the Russian Army has learned its lesson in Ukraine and modified it to be stronger. It is now winning on the battlefield. Regardless of what some stupid videos might have you believe. Russia may end up taking 30% to 40% of the Eastern part of the country before this is all over.