Russia’s war goals in Ukraine

The paper analyzes the reasons for Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It examines both stated goals and deeper reasons, noting that owes more to imperialistic policies leadership than a desire remove “neo-Nazi” government Kyiv or protect quasi-states Donetsk Luhansk. looks also at hostile attitudes toward European Union, NATO, United States importance capture Mariupol as pathway Crimea. observes attacks on civilians atrocities Russia has perpetrated date reveal end Ukrainian statehood expand further into territories former tsarist empire. costs war economic limitations are likely undermine such ambitions.