Russia’s invasion of Ukraine & its implications for European security

ABSTRACT

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine has caused immense implications for the Europeans Security landscape, which was based on the post cold war negotiations and treaties between Russia and the West. The origins of the Ukraine invasion were laid down after the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the Ukrainian pivot to the West during the protests in the winter of 2013-14 against the pro-Russia government. Due to its geographical location, Ukraine was caught between Russia and the West because Russia’s sphere of influence was threatened by the enlargement of the EU and NATO. The Invasion changed the security dynamics and European countries aimed fear of outspreading war making tectonic shifts in their policies to redefine their defense capabilities. Russia does not want NATO on its border and the reaffirmed buffer state must remain neutral otherwise both Russia and US-led West will follow a regime change policy in Ukraine and will continue to fight for their respective hegemonies. The fate of European security will be decided by the nature of the relationship with Russia and Russia's Invasion of Ukraine possibly will lead to a war of attrition and end up in a frozen conflict.