What is Putin's motivation behind his will to have Donbass

Since its annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia’s involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine has raised many questions about President Vladimir Putin’s motivations, particularly regarding his desire to control the region of Donbass. Donbass, comprised of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, has become a focal point of the conflict, with pro-Russian separatists fighting against Ukrainian forces. To understand Putin’s motivations, it is necessary to delve into several factors that influence his decisions.

Firstly, Donbass holds significant strategic and economic importance for Russia. The region is rich in natural resources, including coal and manufacturing industries that were once vital to Ukraine’s economy. By gaining control over Donbass, Putin would secure access to these resources, benefiting Russia economically and potentially reducing its dependence on external suppliers.

Moreover, Donbass also holds symbolic significance for Putin. It represents a strategic buffer zone between Russia and NATO-aligned countries. As Ukraine moves closer to the European Union and seeks NATO membership, Putin sees the control of Donbass as necessary to prevent the encroachment of Western influence on Russian borders. Maintaining influence in Ukraine enables Putin to exercise control over the surrounding region, preventing further westernization and cementing Russia’s position as a dominant power.

Another motivation arises from the historical and cultural ties that link Russia to Ukraine. Many people in Donbass are ethnically Russian and have maintained strong cultural and linguistic connections with Russia. Putin, who has frequently expressed the need to protect Russian-speaking minorities abroad, believes that actions taken to secure their rights will bolster his image domestically. By supporting the separatist movement in Donbass, Putin can present himself as a guardian of Russian interests and garner support from his own citizens who identify with the region.

Furthermore, the geopolitical implications of Ukraine’s stability are a crucial factor for Putin. A strong and independent Ukraine, oriented towards the West, poses a threat to Russian influence in the region. By destabilizing and fragmenting Ukraine, Putin can weaken its international standing and its ability to integrate further with Europe. The conflict in Donbass serves as a means for Russia to keep Ukraine in a state of perpetual chaos, ensuring that Ukraine remains economically, politically, and institutionally weak. This allows Russia to maintain a position of relative dominance in the region and hinders Ukraine’s progress towards its desired Western orientation.

Lastly, Putin’s domestic considerations play a vital role in shaping his motivations. Maintaining a sense of national pride and strong leadership is crucial for his political survival. The perceived success of Russia’s actions in Donbass helps boost Putin’s popularity among his own people, creating the image of a strong and influential leader. By deflecting attention from domestic issues and projecting power abroad, Putin can maintain legitimacy and control over Russia’s political landscape.

In conclusion, Putin’s motivations behind his desire to control Donbass stem from a combination of strategic, economic, symbolic, historical, and geopolitical factors. Gaining control over the region allows Putin to secure vital resources, prevent Western influence, protect Russian-speaking minorities, weaken Ukraine’s stability, and maintain his domestic political standing. As the conflict in Donbass continues, understanding these motivations is crucial in assessing Russia’s actions and developing effective strategies to resolve the crisis.