Does Russia want to annex eastern Ukraine?

Many In Eastern Ukraine Want To Join Russia Vladimir Putin insists Russia doesn’t want to annex separatist enclaves in eastern Ukraine, but many residents, who already use the Russian ruble and depend on Russia in many ways, wish he would.

What is the relationship like between Russia and Ukraine?

Russia still views regional influence as a so-called zero-sum game, hence its determination to keep Ukraine within what Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev has called Moscow’s sphere of “privileged interests” — and out of the European Union’s. 6. Lots of Ukrainians still speak Russian

Why is Ukraine considered a key part of the EU’s plan?

Ukraine is considered a key part of the plan because of its size, historical links with Russia and its position on the EU’s frontier.

Why does Russia keep exerting pressure on Ukraine?

Russia’s reasons for exerting pressure on its smaller neighbor are deeply rooted in economics, history and culture. 1. Russia has designs on Ukraine’s natural gas pipelines Gas has long been an explosive issue between Russia and Ukraine.

Why is Russia fighting in eastern Ukraine?

An update now from eastern Ukraine, where, for the last three years, Russia has fueled a separatist war. Vladimir Putin insists he wants only to protect ethnic Russians there. He hasn’t annexed the region as he did Crimea. And Russia hasn’t even officially recognized the independence of Ukraine’s breakaway regions.

Does Russia have a sympathy for Ukraine?

He hasn’t annexed the region as he did Crimea. And Russia hasn’t even officially recognized the independence of Ukraine’s breakaway regions. But Russia is where the sympathies of many people there lie. NPR’s Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explains why.

Should Donetsk be part of the Russian Federation?

NELSON: Osechkin says being part of a powerful country is better than being an independent, little one. The truth is Donetsk already looks and feels like it’s part of the Russian Federation. Shelves are stocked with Russian goods.