What exactly does Putin want in Ukraine? 

Boris Johnson says Russia is sending ‘mixed signals’ on Ukraine ► www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/feb/15/boris-johnson-russia-mixed-signals-ukraine Putin continues to rattle sabre but with rare nod towards de-escalation ► www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/14/russia-ukraine-putin-continues-to-rattle-sabre-but-with-rare-nod-towards-de-escalation

It is not what he wants, it is what he doesn't want. He doesn't want NATO bases or nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

As a russian, i think this video is the best explanation about the current situation, so far

Appreciate you guys giving a brief summary and not some drawn out video

Well explained. Short but concise and direct to the point. Didn’t need to use big complicated words. Thanks for this. Still hoping Ukraine will be helped asap.

Very accurate as far as i can tell. But i have to say, that there is a 3rd point which is actually the most important. It's a very long story, so to keep it simple - Ukraine have nuclear technology left from USSR which can be used to build new nuclear armaments to use against Russia. And this is the very reason why current situation is happening. Just a few weeks ago the President of Ukraine, made the biggest mistake a politic could've ever done in his career. He bragged about nuclear potential of Ukraine thanks to legacy of USSR. He was trying to assure that Ukraine can, and will use it to force their political cause against Russia, and he did all that BEFORE he actually had any of nuclear armaments. Putin actually got this threat very serious. Extremely in fact. He established a meeting with military personal in attempt to get the short answer to a simple question - is this nonsense that Zelensky said back then - is actually possible? To which millitary specialists said yes, it is possible. Ukraine indeed does have potential both science, material, finance, technology to create nuclear armaments if it is needed. That's it. That's why we are here. That's why this operation focuses on very literal disarming of entire Ukraine. It's not about taking over Ukraine, it's about making sure that nonsense with building nuclear armaments won't happen. That's why Putin was forced to act. Everything else is just bonus. I hope this will make it more clear for you to understand what is happening and why.

Short but very concise, everything that I need in the recent issue of Ukraine and Russia is here.

Absolutely, hands-down the BEST explanation I have heard, regarding the growing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Definitely a video every 'lay-person' should watch!

Thank you so much for explaining this. I feel like everyone else that tried to, basically just gaslighted me. 😂

This video is clear, short, direct and simple. Thank you.

Me: *finishes watching the video........ ....and now let's see what the experts in the comments have to say on the whole conflict situation. 😀😀😀

What they want is not something we understand cause the world is like a playground for world leaders or else why would other countries support ukraine out of sympathy? Oviously not for some reason always it seemed like they are putting on bets

As veteran and a veteran political science professor of international relation and US foreign and national security policy histories, this will all end with a whimper... time for a 'reality check'... better to negotiate peace... the US president claims: "Basic Principles....", the world agrees to nations' right to sovereignty and territorial integrity" agreed... yet, the long tragic history of US diplomacy speaks a different story... the historical record shows it's not Russia or China but the US interventions since 1945 have been at the top of list has been global, massive and deadly.... Think Vietnam, think Central America, Think the Mideast... and the beat goes on... better to shift to trillions in US interventionary dollars back home to take care of our own crumbling infrastructure. national health system and education systems... that would be a great start...

Russia - Ukraine Conflict Relations between Russia and Ukraine have been hostile since the Revolution of Dignity in the year 2014. The Revolution of Dignity refers to a series of violent events involving protesters, riot police, and unknown shooters in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, which culminated in the ousting of the country’s elected President Viktor Yanukovych and the overthrow of the Ukrainian government. The protests developed because the Ukrainian President refused to sign a political association to the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), however, many Ukrainian stakeholders wanted their country to join with NATO. The subsequent Ukraine's post-revolutionary government sought to commit the country to the EU and NATO, rather than continue to play a neutral and diplomatic role with Russia, the EU, and NATO members. Given these concerns, in February and March 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine. It forcefully annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Russia formally incorporated Crimea as two Russian federal subjects, the first being the Republic of Crimea, the second being the federal city of Sevastopol. This was done on 18 March 2014. This move prompted the other members of the then G8 to suspend Russia from the group. The other members of the G8 also agreed to the introduction of a first round of sanctions against Russia. However, these sanctions were not effective as Russia is a large influential country and it continues to trade with several countries, including the G8 countries. Earlier in 2004, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia had joined the EU. Later in 2007, Bulgaria and Romania also joined the EU. Subsequently, the Russian government fears that Ukraine's membership to the EU and NATO would complete a western wall of allied countries in Europe. Also, it could restrict Russia's access to the Black Sea. Furthermore, South Korea and Japan are presently allied to the United States (US). Therefore, the Russian government was concerned of the potential for the country to become ring-fenced by hostile powers. In 2019, amendments were made to the Constitution of Ukraine, which the post-revolutionary government took step to push Ukraine closer towards EU and NATO membership. Throughout 2021 and the beginning of 2022, tensions between Ukraine and Russia were building up as Russia was mounting a military presence at Ukraine’s border. During this period, the US has condemned Russia’s actions through diplomatic press releases, but took no military action against Russia. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion on Ukraine.

Guardian should make video "What US, UK and NATO wants from every country" too... Who's agree ? Edit : I'm not Putin's fan, I'm just fan of peace

No, Russia is trying to ensure it's nation security. It isn't about controlling Ukraines future or conquering Ukraine, it's about making sure NATO doesn't continue it's expansion up to Russia's border.

I found it fascinating, that the reason for the war is because of the Ukraine's inclination towards the Western nations, and that choice is made by a few individual and I doubt that majority of the people of Ukrain even understand or have any part in that decision, it is same in any other country but now that war has started , it's the common people who had no part in that decision not have any idea about that suffers the most....

I was pleasantly surprised that despite being a Guardian video, the views presented were coherent & plausible.

Wasn't it the NATO countries that looked on silently as the US destroyed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty? They stood by when Washington unilaterally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. They allowed the Americans to quit the Open Skies Treaty, which made that agreement worthless as an effective mechanism for controlling military activities. Was it not the NATO countries that took part in the bombing of Yugoslavia, the attack on Libya, the invasion of Iraq? For 20 years, they led the situation in Afghanistan to total degradation, and when they ran away, they left behind weapons worth billions of dollars! For eight years, Western nations have watched passively the killing and abuse of thousands of civilians in southeastern Ukraine. Effectively, they became accomplices to the long-term genocide of the inhabitants of the Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics. NATO's intention to continue pumping weapons into Ukraine, including air defence systems, speaks of one thing: the United States and its allies are not interested in resolving the crisis in this country. The Western bloc continues to build up its military forces and infrastructure near Russia, and engaging in the military buildup of alliance members near Russia, using their resources to develop plans to 'contain' Russia. We cannot ignore such a confrontational course toward Russia, Especially when key security concerns remain unanswered.

The fall of Soviet Union made NATO too strong to comprehend. NATO expanded it's military influence near to Russian border & logically must be stop. Ukraine as a former Soviet Union member must be wise enough to embrace democracy but at the same time not provoking Russian worries. Ukraine should just join European Union in economy not NATO as militarily.

I do understand where Putin is coming from for his own countries' security, but he better first question his own policies enforcing Ukraine to become a NATO member for its own security, not the other way around. His recent action clearly shows why Ukraine wants to become a NATO member.

Actually both sides are right when we look at their opinion views. Ukraine wants freedom and Russia doesn't want to see NATO on borders. I think only problem is that NATO. Respect both countries from Turkey !

This video is so spot on! And I am saying this as someone from Ukraine

I feel Putin is right when he says "we didn't go near US or UK, they came to us" . Ukraine joining NATO is actually kind of a red flag for Russian national security. Every country would retaliate. US led NATO should have respected that concern

Would US be ok, if Mexico entered a military alliance with Russia. Ukraine should never become part of NATO, neither should Estonia or Latvia. West created the Ukraine crisis which is playing out currently in this manner

America has bombed 32 countries since WWII 'in the name of peace' with losses to Nth Korea, Nth Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan. 32 countries: Afghanistan, Bosnia, Cambodia, China, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Serbia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, (Ukraine?), Vietnam, Yemen & Yugoslavia.

What Putin wants in Ukraine? What USA wants in Ukraine? That is the question.

Andrew Roth is great. Calm, collected and rational.

As much as my heart aches for the Ukrainians for what they are going through, I am also aching for Russians. They are suffering because of what their leader is doing. All the sanctions and stands against Putin's actions is sending a strong message that the world is not pleased with him attacking Ukraine. But at the same time, thinking of how Russians will live in difficulty being cut off from other nations all because their president failed to lead.

As a Chinese, I just wonder why so many western people seem ignorance for "what does Putin want". Russia repeatedly saying this in passed 2 moths. NATO was just ignoring what Russia asked for and NATO people seems ignorance...There must be huge problem in ur side.

Imagine your ex wife divorced you and years later wants to form new relationships. Just because you live in the same street doesn't give you the right to control her affairs.

The dismantling of NATO would be great

thanks for the great and sharp overview!

Apparently the conditions of the USSR are not well understood. Please recall, living conditions were terrible in the USSR. This is largely why nations started to turn towards a perceived alternative at the time. NATO is not an offensive force and is used as a deterrent. The territories that turned to NATO were not conquered, so his narrative of NATO "aggressively expanding towards our territory" are ridiculous because no one did that. Just to give an example, NATO built a system designed to shoot down missiles using non-explosive devices. It's systems literally can't be used to fire at the ground or launch explosive rounds. Putin is saying THAT is a direct threat to Russia. When someone says that, they mean that someone can do damage to targets on the ground in their territory. It's nonsense. Also, Russia was invited to be part of the development of those missile systems and refused.

5 Billion years from now (Sun) it would all be in vain.

It was pretty contemporary that the shift of ukraine's foreign policy of neutrality became pro western, this was due to the fact that the problem of pro russian sepearatists supported by russia worsen with a threat of another conflict that could be catastrophic than former separatist encounters

He wants to move back NATO borders so missiles aren't on his door step. But now that he's stepped into it time too keep going

Why Did This Situation Occured To Russia , Why NATO and US put sanctions to russia ? whose took actions when US attacked iraq, libya, afghanstan and they were quite no one even said about anything of the situation

Russia invading Ukraine: Ukraine:It’s my oil! Russia: No. It’s Our oil.

Finally an honest Nd accurate report!

I support Russia for two logical reasons. First, I will not believe anything the Anglo-Saxon American-British alliance says after the lie of the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, and the invasion of Iraq in violation of the International law. Second, the Anglo-Saxon alliance is responsible for the Ukrainian crisis. In 1991, America and Gorbachev concluded an agreement not to expand NATO east to Russia's borders, but America deployed nuclear weapons close to Russia's borders and does not accept the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in South America close to it.

Putin: _complains about NATO's expansion_ Also Putin: _gives more reasons for countries to join NATO_

This is my my teacher said “Learn your history because it has a way of coming back “

Thank you for explaining that so eloquently.

Ukrainians waiting for help from west but help won’t coming in form of military support but useless sanctions

What exactly does Usa want in ukraine? Is the real question

Prayers to the people on both sides

This conflict is about Russian oil and gas pipelines into Europe. The U.S. and EU keep blocking Russias ability to get cheap oil and gas to Central Europe.

i aint supporting the war..but ukraine should have held a neutral ground instead of joining nato..they obviosly made mistake of joining nato and must have realised now since they aint getting any military support but just useless sanctions..wat hurts most is that the common people of ukraine who dont want nato or russia and want to live independently are suffering..definetly war should be stopped..this has all been mind games of bigger countries and unfourtunetly ukrain has become the scapegoat for western countries

It is the wrong question. The question should be, What exactly does the West want in Ukraine?

Crimea was given to Ukraine to become part of Russia so when they got out of Russia Russia took back Crimea end of story

I hope they calculated Finland being a NATO member xD

Russia: Ukraine i love you! Ukraine: No you don't! Get away from me! Russia: Than i will make you be mine! (Starts Invasion)

Does not Russia realize that being aggressive to their neighbors so they dont joint NATO, is changing the mindset to become Pro-NATO ?. Personally I was anti-NATO number of years ago because I believed lies and misconceptions about NATO. Also the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 played a huge role in me becoming Pro-NATO.

"brothers don't attack each other"

How about the Ukrainian lithium deposit? Huge push for electric cars, demand is looming.

If Ukraine joined NATO, it could pose a serious threat to Russia`s national security, and Putin`s concern is understandable. However, Putin does not respect Unkaine`s sovereignty at all, and Russia cannot hold Ukraine in the hollow of her hand without Ukrainian people`s agreement. Putin should think why not only former Warsaw Pact nations but also Ukraine prefer to join NATO rather than Russia`s protection. Then, he will find there is no justifications to put Ukraine under control.

This is by far the correct and to the point information .

Thank you so much your video was very clear compare to others 🙏🏻

in early 10's Putin had wanted to become part of NATO and they said no.

Is it possible the threat to Ukraine is motivating Ukraine to look for support from NATO regardless of Russia's view of Ukraine. Hope things return to a peaceful situation. As the ecology cant afford another war. Nations talk about their rights fair comment. But rights must accompanied by there own sense of responsibility. Hope common sense prevails.

It's amusing how the British media that have spent decades pushing for the weakening of Europe would ask a question like this .

Imagine your neighbour took in a lodger and that lodger starting bringing bags full of guns into your neighbours house. Would you be concerned or comfortable?

Best explanation on RU-vid!!! You nailed it!

Sounds like Ukrainian being taken down the primrose path ... Vietnam style - I remember the US saying they'd never abandon Vietnam all those years ago... Instead they wrecked the place .. It's heartbreaking to see Ukraine in this impossible position ❣️

PUT MISSILES IN CUBA IF POSSIBLE

Russia has always taken steps for peace. Russia has full right to self-defense

He wants to take over like he did the crimea. Now that the world is saying not so fast buddy, he's gonna try to save face by saying he was only doing exercises. What a putz!😂

It's simple: He wants to revive the USSR and make a new autocratic society in Eastern Europe.

Its 2022 , We still doin the war thing

What about resources, gas, oil, wheat, mining..?

the resources in ukraine play a big role, it has got many metals and also most of europe agricultural land…

Does he not realize that by doing this, it would just make Ukraine want to be even further away from Russia??? I know it’s not as simple as that, but in a way, it’s almost like that, right?

"Views Ukraine as brother.." Just like way Cain viewed Abel I guess.

Putin: there are 4 things we require. Guardian: how should we lie and what omit to pretend that's crazy.

Ukraine used to be the breadbasket of Russia and he wants more access to water he wants the rich soils of the Ukraine and he doesn't care what the people want. He has said from the beginning that the Ukraine belongs to Russia and he's not going to stop until he gets it all back But it includes far more than the Ukraine

Bravo! This is the first clever (or really independant !!! ) english speaking reporter I met in youtube. "Russians harness very slowly, but ride fast" - more than 10 years in russian TV we heard "our american PARTNERS" - how NATO could be "partner" for Russia?

where is that military support from the US now?

What about the natural gas line in Ukraine ?

Well elaborated. Putin is like a husband fighting for his marriage.On the other hand NATO is like a new boyfriend trying to break a relationship.

I think Ukraine whether with or without the easter regions should be military neutral Edit: i kinda changed my mind about that. The best for Ukraine would be nato, read my comment below Edit: the safest thing for Ukraine would be nato, the best maybe beeing neutral, it’s difficult when there’s russia next to you.

Water!!!!💦

That's not for Putin to decide..

Russia is definitely not a warmongering nation like the US. One of the biggest dangers to West Europe and the UK.

Congratulations putin, you just proved Ukraine's point why they tend to go western

Why doesn't nato just pull out of Ukraine and end this?

As 1 of MANY humble citizens in the UK, we don’t want war. We don’t want to see our armed forces go to war. Have a pint or a joint and chill out.

NATO has no business being close to Russia , it is a threat to Russia . Here in the USA we would have issues with Russia on our border . I would like to see a Pacific treat with USA , Russia and China . All working together for a better world for our children . As an American , we have never viewed Russia as our enemy. They are our brothers , family

He does not want to have a say in Ukraine's future or he would let the people vote

after 10-15 vids this is the most simple and clear one that gives the whole idea

America is an empire of a new sort of kind, and by behaving aggressively toward Russia it keeps its European conquests, and now voluntary servants, in line.

Putin: Ukraine and Russia are brotherly nations ........ starts war against brotherly nation :))

It seems to me that the interpretation at 2:44 is unlikely purely for practical and financial reasons: why would then Russias build an expensive bridge that already connects Crimea with Russian mainland (Kerch Strait Bridge) if they had a plan to do that by annexing the Donbass?

Great clarity

They had to ask an American journalist.

We have no business in Ukraine, especially as long as our southern boarder is not secure. It is not a member of NATO and a European problem. Had Mr Biden not given Putin the Nord-star pipeline and shown his incompetence in Afghanistan Europe wouldn't have the problem either. Hope and pray for everyone to see the light and do the right things for everyone not just themselves. My opinion

He wants to hide the fact his country is dying by going to war and blaming the war for his country becoming worse than a 3rd world country🙃

What was the role of the West in countries such as Hungary and Czechoslovakia, before the intervention of the Warsaw Pact; the Ukrainian case looks extremely familiar to the situation back then!

Please don't start a world war 3 Russia. Please I Don't want to be separated by my family

Your the first person whose put the whole thing into context that even Republicans could understand