The War in Ukraine, Explained — Part 1: Why did Putin go to war?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine stems from a deep-seated imperial identity and a desire to reverse the perceived humiliation following the Soviet Union's collapse. Political scientist Yoshiko Herrera explains that Vladimir Putin utilizes historical grievances, such as the victory over Nazi Germany, to frame the conflict as a necessary reclamation of Russian influence. By prioritizing loyalty over competence, the Putin regime fundamentally miscalculated the strength of Ukrainian national identity, inadvertently fostering a more unified, pro-Western state. This military misadventure has forced Russia into a darker, more repressive totalitarian model, characterized by extreme media censorship and the suppression of domestic dissent. Despite the regime's attempts to control the narrative, the war has failed to achieve its strategic objectives, instead isolating Russia internationally and solidifying a resilient, anti-Russian sentiment across Ukraine.