Vladimir Putin must be kicking himself. Four years ago, he could have invaded and seized most of Ukraine in a few weeks. Believing that Ukrainians were an “artificial” nation led by “fascists,” however, he figured an invasion was unnecessary and the state would collapse on its own. Now, Ukrainians are daily demonstrating their desire to leave the Russian zone of influence forever. An invasion may be the only thing that could postpone the inevitable, but it’s an extremely risky undertaking that could result in Russia’s collapse.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
OP-ED
Aleksander J. Motyl: Is Russia about to invade Ukraine?
Ukrainian soldiers patrol in the front line with Russia-backed separatists in the small city of Shyrokyne, 25 km from Azov Sea port of Mariupol, on Nov. 28, 2018.