Session 5: Realism Applied The Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Question 1

What event triggered the first invasion of Ukraine?

Answer 1

The EU association agreement was canceled which then resulted in thousands of protests and violent clashes between protesters and the government

Question 2

How did Russia capture the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine?

Answer 2

Russian masked troops invaded & occupied key Crimean locations

Question 3

What role did Russia play in the Ukrainian “civil war” from 2015-2022?

Answer 3

So Russia placed Victor Yanukovych in power. The Ukrainians started protesting, and Russia sent troops to restore order.

Question 4

What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and what is its significance?

Answer 4

NATO is an organization that was created to combat Soviet expansion

Question 5

How would a neorealist explain Russia’s actions in Ukraine?

Answer 5

The changes in the balance of power made Russia feel insecure. After they removed Yankovach (a Pro Russian politican), then elected Poroshenko(Pro-Westerner) , were scared of losing their black fleet(in Crimea, Sevestpol)