Why did Putin’s Russia invade Ukraine and how could the war end?
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
When Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his forces into Ukraine in 2014, he aimed to overthrow the pro-Western government and reassert Russia's influence over its neighbor. The war has now dragged on for nearly a decade, with Russia occupying roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Despite efforts by global leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, to broker peace deals, negotiations have repeatedly stalled due to Moscow's demands for territorial concessions that Kyiv refuses to accept.
The roots of the conflict trace back to Putin's long-standing opposition to Ukraine's shift toward the West. After Ukraine's 2014 revolution ousted a pro-Russian leader and replaced him with a government aligned with NATO, Putin viewed this as a direct threat to Russia's sphere of influence. He justified the invasion by framing it as a mission to "denazify" Ukraine, a narrative that distorts history and ignores the country's centuries of independent culture and identity.
Putin has also sought to dismantle Ukraine's sovereignty by targeting its elected leadership. Since 2019, when Volodymyr Zelensky was democratically elected, Russia has repeatedly attempted to destabilize his government, viewing him as an obstacle to their goals. Despite this, Kyiv remains committed to defending its territory and resisting what it sees as Russia's attempts to erase Ukraine as a nation.
Another key factor in the conflict is Putin's concern over NATO's expansion. While the alliance's focus is on collective defense, Putin views any eastward enlargement as a direct threat to Russia's security. This fear has driven his aggressive actions in Ukraine, which he perceives as a critical buffer zone between Russia and Western powers.
The ongoing war raises significant questions about its resolution. For peace to prevail, both sides would need to address their core issues, including Russia's territorial demands and Ukraine's determination to preserve its independence. The conflict remains a major flashpoint in global geopolitics, with far-reaching implications for international relations, energy security, and the stability of Eastern Europe.
In conclusion, the war in Ukraine is not just a regional dispute but a complex interplay of historical grievances, ideological differences, and strategic interests. As the world watches, the outcome of this
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026