What is the current crisis in Ukraine?

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is caused by complex historical reasons and geopolitical changes.

The first aspect is the historical origin. Ukraine and Russia are closely linked in history. After the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the main political leaders of Ukraine and Russia maintained a relatively close and mutually recognized cooperative relationship to a certain extent.

However, due to the change of Ukraine's political orientation, it turned to be pro-Western, trying to control Russia in the way of the United States, which led to prominent ethnic contradictions within Ukraine and the political relations between Russia and Ukraine fell into an antagonistic state. Russia is worried that a pro-Western Ukraine may even join NATO, completely eliminate its strategic buffer zone, and make western military forces completely at home, thus becoming a direct strategic threat to Russia.

From the origin of this historical development, the historical entanglement between Russia and Ukraine led to the division of the pro-Russian Donbass region in Ukraine, and Ukraine became the frontier of confrontation between Russia and the West. Obviously, this change in Ukraine has led to sharp opposition between Russia and Ukraine.

The second aspect is the result of international political changes. First of all, there are structural contradictions between transatlantic and Europe and Russia, including structural contradictions between Russia and NATO, Russia and the United States, and Russia and Europe. At present, under the constant provocation of the United States, the two sides are in a state of direct confrontation.

From the perspective of western international political tradition, European and American countries have a concept of geopolitical theory, which holds that Russia, as a land power, is located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, and has always constituted a huge suppression force from land to sea for European countries and even countries on both sides of the Atlantic. This situation has existed for hundreds of years.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union and now Russia maintained a prominent oppressive geographical advantage over Europe or NATO countries. In order to eliminate this threat, western countries try to push this threat as far as possible to the Russian border through NATO's eastward expansion, thus greatly limiting Russia's strategic behavior and ensuring the absolute security of NATO or Europe.

During the Cold War, the United States formed the theory of controlling the "marginal zone" of Eurasia to curb the "external expansion" of the Soviet Union. Today, the United States is still trying to use the worries of European powers and Russia to provoke European allies against Russia.

In this way, the United States can better grasp Europe, bring European powers such as Germany and France into the geo-strategic track of the United States, support the leading position of the United States, and fully serve the strategic interests of the United States in pursuing global leadership. To this end, the United States needs to regard Russia as an important strategic opponent and push Russia into the trap of confrontation with Europe, thus controlling Europe.

The third aspect is caused by the complex geopolitical changes around Russia. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, a series of independent sovereign countries appeared around Russia, but these countries have complicated historical origins with Russia. Geographical proximity and historical connection have led to a geopolitical contradiction between Russia's neighboring countries and Russia itself.

The geopolitical relations in three directions around Russia are complicated. First, Central Asia, exemplified by the recent turmoil in Kazakhstan and the intervention of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization; Second, the Caucasus, in 2008, Russia and Georgia broke out in war; Third, Eastern Europe, where Ukraine is located, has a vital relationship with Russia.

The latest information on the situation in Ukraine

1, Russian Ministry of Defence: Using precision guided weapons to destroy Ukrainian military facilities and aviation units.

On February 24, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that it was using precision-guided weapons to destroy the military infrastructure, air defense facilities, military airports and aviation units of the Ukrainian army. In addition, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that the attack on Ukraine did not endanger the safety of civilians.

2. Russian landings began in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

On February 24, local time, Ukrainian military facilities were attacked by missiles. Landing operations of the Black Sea Fleet in the Sea of Azov and the Sea of Odessa have begun. At present, the Russian army has broken through the border of Kharkov, and the Ukrainian army's command post in Kharkov was attacked by rockets.

3. The whole territory of Ukraine is in a state of war.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said in a speech that the whole territory of Ukraine has entered a state of war.

Ukraine has announced the closure of its national airspace.

On February 24, local time, the Ukrainian administrative department announced the closure of the entire airspace. Earlier, the Russian Aviation Administration had informed civil aviation companies that the airspace along the border with Ukraine had been closed.

Refer to the above? Public trust. Com- Russia and Ukraine "What's the hurry?" Expert: Historical origins are superimposed with complex status quo.