An analysis of

Russia – Ukraine War

By: Tanya Sahota

Ishita Mittal
Background
Ukraine became an independent state in 1991 after the
disintegration of the USSR. Ukraine is one of the largest
countries in Europe and has a large border with Russia. Russia
has always been apprehensive of its security as major attacks on
Russia have occurred from the western border, like in World
War 1 and World War 2.
Ukraine's desire to join NATO made Russia apprehensive of its
security, and it captured Crimea in 2014. Russia also supported
insurgents in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Eastern
Ukraine. The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing international
conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February
2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity,
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-
Russian separatists fighting the Ukrainian military in the Donbas
war. The first eight years of conflict also included naval
incidents, and heightened political tensions. In February 2022,
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and
began occupying more of the country.
Russia Ukraine War is the immense turmoil the world saw from
February 2022. With the invasion of Russia in Ukraine, it
became the most significant conventional attack on a country
that caused a tremendous economic crisis for the whole world.
Due to the foreign policies and good International relations
maintained by the delegations of India with Russia, India had
shown a neutral stand for Russia, keeping the historic
partnership in mind.
Parties involved
Russia : Largest Country in Europe
President : Vladimir Putin
Ukraine : Second Largest Country in Europe
President : Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Legality and declaration of war

No formal declaration of war has been issued in the ongoing

Russo-Ukrainian War. When Putin announced the 2022 Russian
invasion of Ukraine, he claimed to commence a "special military
operation", side-stepping a formal declaration of war.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine violated international
law (including the Charter of the United Nations).
Reasons of Russia – Ukraine war
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has complex causes,
but it primarily stems from tensions over territory, politics, and
national identity. Some key factors that contributed to the
conflict include:
• Annexation of Crimea: In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea,
a region that was previously part of Ukraine. This move
was widely condemned by the international community
and sparked the ongoing conflict.

• Ethnic and linguistic divisions: Ukraine has a diverse

population with significant linguistic and ethnic divisions.
These divisions, particularly between the predominantly
Ukrainian-speaking west and Russian-speaking east, have
contributed to political and cultural tensions.
 • Geopolitical interests: The conflict has geopolitical
dimensions. Russia has historical and strategic interests in
Ukraine, including access to the Black Sea and concerns
over NATO expansion.

• Economic factors: Ukraine's economic challenges,

including corruption and financial instability, have also
played a role in fueling the conflict.
It's essential to note that this is a simplified overview, and the
conflict is multifaceted, with numerous complex dynamics at
play.
Role of Ukrainian Government
The Ukrainian government has played a central role in the
conflict with Russia. After the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the
Ukrainian government faced a significant challenge to its
territorial integrity and the legitimacy of its authority.
The Ukrainian government has been actively engaged in trying
to resolve the conflict diplomatically, seeking international
support and condemning Russian actions. It has also sought
assistance from Western nations and international organizations,
such as the United Nations and the European Union, to both
oppose Russia's actions and provide aid to Ukraine.
Humanitarian consequences in war
The war had severe humanitarian consequences. The fighting
has resulted in a significant loss of life, with thousands of people
killed and many more injured. Civilians, including women,
children, and the elderly, have been caught in the crossfire and
have suffered greatly as a result.
There has also been a large-scale displacement of people within
Ukraine, with millions forced to flee their homes due to the
conflict. These internally displaced persons often face
challenges in accessing basic necessities such as food, water,
shelter, and medical care.

In addition to these immediate impacts of the conflict, there are

also longer-term humanitarian consequences. The destruction of
infrastructure, such as homes, hospitals, schools, and other
essential facilities, has hampered the delivery of essential
services and has had a lasting impact on communities.
Furthermore, the conflict has strained the economy, leading to
widespread poverty and unemployment. It has also caused
disruptions in education, healthcare, and other public services,
further increasing the humanitarian situation.
Resolutions Made
there have been numerous efforts to promote peace and resolve
the conflict in Ukraine. The international community has been
engaged in diplomatic initiatives to find a peaceful resolution.
Several key agreements have been reached, though
implementation has been challenging.
One of the major peace agreements is the Minsk Protocol,
signed in September 2014, and the subsequent Minsk II
Agreement in February 2015. These agreements, brokered by
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE), aimed to establish a ceasefire, withdraw heavy
weaponry from the front lines and establish a political process
for resolving the conflict.
However, despite the peace agreements, violations and sporadic
fighting have continued, hindering progress towards a lasting
resolution. The conflict remains unresolved, with sporadic
clashes between Ukrainian forces and separatist groups in
eastern Ukraine.
Efforts have also been made to engage Ukraine and Russia in
diplomatic talks, including negotiations between the Normandy
Four (Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France) aimed at finding a
peaceful resolution. However, significant differences and
political complexities have made progress challenging.
The international community has provided various forms of
financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine. This assistance is
aimed at both addressing the immediate humanitarian needs and
fostering long-term economic stability and development.
Additionally, international sanctions have been imposed on
Russia as a response to its actions in Ukraine.
While these efforts have not yet led to a complete resolution of
the conflict, diplomatic initiatives and international pressure
continue to play a role in seeking a peaceful solution.
Minsk Agreements:
Minsk I: Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatists agreed a
12-point ceasefire deal in the capital of Belarus in September
2014.
⚫ Its provisions included prisoner exchanges, deliveries of
humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of heavy weapons. The
agreement quickly broke down, with violations by both sides.
Minsk II: In 2015, an open conflict was averted after the
'Minsk II' peace agreement was signed, under the mediation of
France and Germany.
⚫ It was designed to end the fighting in the rebel regions and
hand over the border to Ukraine's national troops. It was signed
by Representatives of Russia, Ukraine, the Organisation for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the leaders of
two pro-Russian separatist regions.
• OSCE is the world's largest security-oriented
intergovernmental organisation. Its mandate includes issues such
as arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the
press, and fair elections.

Long term impact of war

The conflict in Ukraine has had and continues to have
significant long-term impacts on Ukraine and its neighbouring
countries. Here are some potential effects:
1. Humanitarian and Economic Consequences: The conflict
has resulted in a significant loss of life and displacement of
people, creating a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people have
been killed or injured, and millions have been forced to leave
their homes. The ongoing instability has also had a detrimental
impact on the economy, causing recession, inflation, and a
decrease in foreign investment.
2. Political and Social Instability: The conflict has deeply
divided Ukrainian society and strained political institutions. It
has led to changes in leadership and political dynamics within
Ukraine. Additionally, the ongoing territorial dispute over
Crimea and eastern Ukraine has strained relations between
Ukraine and Russia, as well as with other neighbouring
countries.
3. Security Concerns: The conflict has raised security concerns
not only in Ukraine but also in neighbouring countries. There is
a fear of further territorial disputes and destabilization in the
region. This has led to an increase in military spending, as well
as well as a heightened sense of insecurity.
4. Refugee and Migration Challenges: The conflict has
resulted in a significant number of internally displaced persons
(IDPs) within Ukraine, as well as an influx of refugees into
neighbouring countries. This has put pressure on social services
and infrastructure in both Ukraine and the host countries.
Overall, the long-term impacts of the conflict on Ukraine and its
neighbouring countries are complex and multifaceted. The
extent of these impacts will depend on various factors, including
the resolution of the conflict and the effectiveness of post-
conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.
Role of NATO
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has played a
role in the conflict in Ukraine through various actions and
measures. Here are some key aspects of NATO's involvement:
1. Assurance and deterrence: In response to the conflict,
NATO has focused on assuring its member states in Eastern
Europe of their security and deterring potential aggression. This
includes increased presence and rotational deployments of
NATO forces in the region, enhanced military exercises, and the
establishment of a forward presence in countries like Poland and
the Baltic states.
2. Support for Ukraine: NATO has provided political and
practical support to Ukraine in response to the conflict. This
support includes political backing for Ukraine's territorial
integrity and sovereignty, humanitarian assistance, and
assistance with defence and security sector reforms. NATO has
also conducted training and capacity-building activities with the
Ukrainian armed forces.
3. Cooperative security: NATO has engaged in cooperative
security efforts with Ukraine and other partner countries in the
region to build defence capabilities and increase interoperability.
This includes joint exercises, information sharing, and practical
cooperation in areas such as cyber defence and counterterrorism.
4. Dialogue with Russia: While NATO is not directly involved
in the peace negotiations or mediation efforts, the organization
has maintained channels of communication and dialogue with
Russia. This includes meetings of the NATO-Russia Council,
which aim to foster transparency and reduce the risk of
misunderstandings or miscalculations.
5. Reassessment of capabilities: The conflict in Ukraine has
prompted a reassessment of NATO's capabilities, particularly in
relation to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which obliges
member states to come to the defence of any member that is
under attack. The conflict has highlighted the need for increased
readiness and responsiveness within the alliance.
It's important to note that NATO's involvement in the conflict is
focused on supporting the security of its member states,
promoting stability in the region, and upholding international
norms and principles.
NATO does not have a direct combat role in the conflict itself,
as Ukraine is not a member of the alliance.
India's stand on Russia Ukraine War
Russia is a major arms supplier and is India's time-tested and
reliable friend. By maintaining a long silence on the issue of the
Russia-Ukraine conflict recently, India has spoken and called for
a peaceful resolution through diplomatic ways. In a United
Nations resolution upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity
following the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, India
abstained from voting. It hoped the situation would be handled
peacefully and maintain a patient approach.
Russia Ukraine War - Present Day
Although there were centuries-old cultural ties between Russia
and Ukraine. Ukraine is a buffer state between Russia and the
West by the US and European Union. Not just Russia only but
the US and European Union also have stakes in Ukraine. It is
directly linked to all the antecedent issues in the latest episode of
the Russian troop display near the border of Ukraine.
Russia wants the assurance that Ukraine would not be made part
of NATO (which has Anti- Russian ambitions) in the future
from the west. But the United States has not agreed to the
demands of Russia.