It's a bit more complex than that. There are perfectly legitimate reasons that have been articulated fully by people smarter than me. You can find them. I admit it's a bit harder than just hating Putin and Russia.
AI can be pretty smart too. Here’s what one engine put together when I asked it the question about Putin’s true ambitions:
Putin has often referred to the collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century.” This phrase encapsulates his belief that the disintegration of the USSR was a significant loss for Russia, not just politically but also culturally and historically. He perceives this event as a moment when Russia lost its status as a major power and influence over its former territories.
Putin has drawn parallels between his actions in Ukraine and those of historical figures like Peter the Great, suggesting that he is engaged in a process of “returning” territories that were once part of Russia or the Soviet Union. By denying Ukraine’s sovereignty, he positions himself as a leader who seeks to rectify what he sees as historical injustices stemming from the Soviet era.
For instance, he has stated that he aims to reclaim lands that he believes are rightfully Russian, framing these ambitions within a narrative of historical destiny. His comments suggest an intention not only to maintain influence over former Soviet republics, but also to potentially re-establish some form of political or economic union reminiscent of the USSR.
” I admit it’s a bit harder than just hating Putin and Russia.”
No it is not. Russia is a thug country and it is mugging Ukraine and will just try to mug someone else in the future.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
]