SUPERPOWERS: Russian's Wester Border

Question 1

how have political spheres of influence lead to tensions over territory and physical resources, resulting in open conflict in Western Russia/Eastern Europe?

Answer 1

Russia considers Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine and Belarus, within its sphere of influence. In these countries Russian language is widely spoken.

Question 2

history

Answer 2

2014: in response to Ukraine moves to join the EU and/or NATO, Russia annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea, significantly raising political and military tensions in Europe

Question 3

Ukraine

Answer 3

Ukraine’s population is split between the older generations favouring its easter relationship (Russia) and the younger generations favouring its western relationship (EU and NATO)