In recent days, Russia has resumed deadly attacks in its de facto war with Ukraine. Perhaps this is an early test of President Trump by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Perhaps Mr. Putin wagers that a newly nationalistic U.S. administration will have little appetite for foreign conflicts. Either way, one thing is clear: Ukraine is merely the Kremlin’s first step toward reassembling the Soviet Union.
Mr. Putin’s Russia illegally took control of Ukrainian territory in the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and is supporting soldiers fighting in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin denies the occupation of eastern Ukraine and has crafted convincing propaganda to support its illegal seizure of Crimea. But have no doubt. The Kremlin seeks complete control of Ukraine. As long as Mr. Putin remains Russian president, this will not change.
