Share
The verdict is in: Russia invaded Ukraine for two reasons. One is Moscow’s obsessive pursuit of nationalist and imperial ambitions—unifying the two countries and eliminating a separate Ukrainian identity. The other is Vladimir Putin’s misperception—he is an insulated, overconfident autocrat who misplayed his hand.
These theories are surely true, but there’s usually more to the story.
However reprehensible, Putin’s invasion was realpolitik. He was telling Ukraine: It’s time to acknowledge Russia’s strength. Give something up. Adopt neutrality. Refuse new weapons. Renounce your ambition to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Grant separatist-controlled regions autonomy. Allow me to meddle in your politics. Most of Russia’s neighbors had been compelled to make similar sacrifices.
Read more from Wall Street Journal
RELATED TOPICS:
Fresno Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Sexually Assaulting Children and Dog
12 hours ago
Bulldogs’ Two-Position Standout Tommy Hopfe Signs With Rockies
13 hours ago
Former Bulldog QB Jake Haener: I Have a ‘Rare Form of Skin Cancer’
14 hours ago
The Many Names of GOP Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance
14 hours ago
Companies Cut Prices to Boost Sales, Consumers Respond
15 hours ago
What Italian Grandmothers Can Teach You About Healthy Eating
8 mins ago
Categories
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/25112306/AP2141106817163116-1-1024x576.jpg)
What Italian Grandmothers Can Teach You About Healthy Eating
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/26104129/021624-California-Forever-LE-CM-29.jpg-1024x576.jpg)
CA Has Seen Many New Towns, but This Big Project Is Stalled
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/26170645/Gage-Mason-20-was-sentenced-to-29-years-in-state-prison-for-sexually-assaulting-multiple-children-and-a-dog-and-will-also-be-required-to-register-as-a-sex-offender-1024x538.jpg)
Fresno Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Sexually Assaulting Children and Dog
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/26161707/Tommy-Hopfe-with-the-Colorado-Rockies_1280X720-1024x576.jpg)
Bulldogs’ Two-Position Standout Tommy Hopfe Signs With Rockies
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/26145457/image-2024-07-26T145350.189-1024x576.jpeg)