Russia - Ukraine border explained

Question 1

What do Russia claim about eastern and southern Ukraine?

Answer 1

They claim that it was historically part of the Russian empire and should be restored as part of New Russia

Question 2

What does Russia claim about Crimea?

Answer 2

Russia claim that Crimea was unfairly transferred to Ukraine by the Soviet Union and that it’s annexation in 2014 corrects a historical mistake

Question 3

How does Russia justify the invasion?

Answer 3

Russia claims that ethnic Russians in Ukraine face ethnic discrimination

Question 4

What has Russia expressed concerns about?

Answer 4

Russia has expressed concerns over Ukraine’s alliance towards the west and desire to join NATO.

Question 5

When was Ukraine’s borders recognised globally?

Answer 5

After it became independent in 1991, including by Russia under multiple treaties

Question 6

What did the 1994 Budapest Memorandum do?

Answer 6

It saw Ukraine give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarentees from Russia, the US, and the UK

Question 7

What did the UN General Assembly do?

Answer 7

It has repeatedly passed resolutions affirming Crimea as Ukranian territory since the 18th century

Question 8

What will happen if Ukraine does not reclaim it’s land?

Answer 8

Russia may try to seize more territory, undermining Ukraine’s soverignty