Why are Ukrainians fighting the Russians
This enmity between Ukraine and Russia is a misguided rivalry. Historically and culturally, as well as politically, Russia and Ukraine share deep bonds as first cousins. Both follow orthodox Christianity, distinguishing them from Western Europe's Roman Catholic or Protestant traditions. Kiev, often hailed as the mother of Russia's religious identity, historically played a pivotal role in the spread of Orthodox Christianity.
The underlying question is: why are these cousin brothers at odds?
The answer is straightforward. Western Ukraine, enticed by the promise of prosperity, seeks integration with Western Europe, while the ethnically Russian Eastern Ukraine opposes American/NATO expansionism. Crimea, predominantly Russian, desires reunification with Russia after the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991, having been administratively transferred to Ukraine, recently.
Exploiting these regional differences, NATO and the United States exacerbated internal conflicts, ultimately leading to the ejection of successive leaders. As tensions escalated, Russia supported Russian-speaking regions in ejecting Western-leaning factions. The prospect of easy NATO membership dangled by America fueled the conflict.
Had America not enticed Western Ukrainians with NATO membership, this conflict might have been avoided. Unfortunately, an escalating war ensues, with Ukrainians suffering regardless of Western propaganda efforts. While Western Europeans and Americans threaten war, they lack the resolve to engage in a losing battle, preferring to perpetuate their propaganda war.
The overall American objective is to demolish Russia by defeating it in Ukraine. This objective is unlikely to be achieved. It looks that in-spite of huge influx of weapons by the NATO/Americans, the Ukrainians are nowhere close to recovering their territory lost to the Russians. Then comes the key question….. why fight a loosing war.
