Russia considers Ukraine an important buffer zone for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ( NATO).
The Washington Post offers three maps to help explain the underlying roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the current situation.
What is the historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine?
Historical Russia-Ukraine ties date back to the 9th century, when a group of people called rus moved the capital to Kiev. Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union until it declared independence in August 1991. Ukraine used to be a strategic part of the Soviet Union, with a large agricultural sector and important ports in the Black Sea.
The historic relationship between the two countries remains present in the Russia-Ukraine tensions. I believe that Ukraines true sovereignty can only be found in partnerships with Russia. Together, we have always been and will be stronger, much more successful" - Mr. Putin once said.
Why is Mr. Putin interested in Ukraine's joining of NATO?
NATO was founded in 1949 to fight against the Soviet Union. Since then, the alliance has expanded to 30 countries, including former Soviet union states such as Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. The bloc stipulates that if a country is encroached upon or attacked by a third party, all countries in NATO will mobilize together to defend.
Russia is asking NATO to ensure that Ukraine and Georgia - another former Soviet Republic - will not join the alliance. The Biden administration and its NATO allies have said that Putin cannot deny Ukraine's right, but there has been no move to soon hand over the bloc's membership to Kiev.
The addition of both Ukraine and Georgia to the alliance would increase NATO's mark along Russia's borders.
Which parts of Ukraine is Russia currently controlling?
In 2014, the Russian army attacked Crimea in the Black Sea. The Moscow-backed breakaway forces have also taken control of industrial parks east of Donetsk and Lugansk, located on Russia's borders. The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has claimed the lives of about 14,000 people.
According to the most recent population survey in 2001, more than 50% of the population in Crimea and Donetsk identified Russian as their mother tongue. Russian President Putin said he is protecting the rights of Russian speakers in those areas.
