I agree this is part of the motivation, but Putin also wants to prevent successful democratic/westernized ex-Soviet republics next door which might invite questions or risk to his regime.
I agree this is part of the motivation, but Putin also wants to prevent successful democratic/westernized ex-Soviet republics next door which might invite questions or risk to his regime.
I think this is a big part of it, along with all those ex-soviet republics and non-Russian citizens of Russia. I have to think there's a bit of, "expand or die" in the Russian thinking. Their heartland is open to invasion from many sides, so expansion to defensible borders is something I see cited from time to time.
Beyond that, if they don't look strong and vibrant, how long are they going to keep Siberia from China? I heard that China is already doing a soft invasion of sorts. A weak Russia is going to lose and lose and lose on front after front.
A.k.a. "Make Russia/CCCP Great Again".
I agree this is part of the motivation, but Putin also wants to prevent successful democratic/westernized ex-Soviet republics next door which might invite questions or risk to his regime.
I think this is a big part of it, along with all those ex-soviet republics and non-Russian citizens of Russia. I have to think there's a bit of, "expand or die" in the Russian thinking. Their heartland is open to invasion from many sides, so expansion to defensible borders is something I see cited from time to time.
Beyond that, if they don't look strong and vibrant, how long are they going to keep Siberia from China? I heard that China is already doing a soft invasion of sorts. A weak Russia is going to lose and lose and lose on front after front.