| Politicians face three major problems with big decisions like war: 1. What should I do? 2. How do I sell it to the people at home? 3. How do I sell it to the rest of the world? I think that accounts for why some correctly observe Putin claimed Ukraine needed to be "liberated" from all the Nazis (#2 above). It's also why Russia has said repeatedly that NATO caused the war (#3 above). As for the actual cause (#1 above), like all wars, there are probably multiple factors, like: 1. Former KGB Putin and plenty of others longing for the "glory days" of the USSR. 2. A desire to stop NATO expansion by intimidating anyone else who might want in. 3. Removing the Zolynksy government and replacing with a pro-Russia government. 4. Solidifying access to the Black Sea and claims to Crimea. ... ETA: also remember, if news reports are accurate, Putin thought this war would be a 5-minute cakewalk. I suspect Russia might not have invaded if they knew the cost in lives and dollars this war would bring. |
How can they be? They can’t go into Putin’s head