Ukraine and Russia have had long standing tension dating back to the time of the Soviet Union. However, the reason why these tensions are currently on the rise is because the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, wants to reconstitute certain spheres of influence that were under the control of the Soviet Union. 

Ukraine was once part of the Soviet Union, however it regained sovereignty in 1991. Putin has concerns that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is attempting to expand eastward into Putin’s desired objectives. Originally in the early 1990s NATO originally pledged to not expand into the former Soviet bloc. However, now that there is threat of NATO expansion, Putin has threatened a military incursion unless the organization agrees to a multitude of security concessions.

The Ukraine holds an interest in NATO under the enticement of security as Putin has concentrated thousands of troops at the Ukraine border. Being a member of NATO, the United States has publicly considered deploying troops to allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe. However, the act of allegiance only bolstered strain between President Joe Biden and President Putin. 

Russia proposed a list of demands so as to stop military action. These demands include the agreement from NATO to not admit Ukraine as a member. The United States, upon viewing these warrants, has threatened to impose a series of sanctions that protect the country of Ukraine.

As of Tuesday, February 8th, various other members of NATO have actively worked in deescalating the present crisis. French president Emmanuel Macron spoke with President Putin, but allegedly failed to make progress towards diffusion. Russia leaders ostensibly rejected Macron’s legitimacy. Macron, to the New York Times, warned of imminent war with Ukraine were to join NATO. Macron stated, “You must not underestimate the tension that surrounds the situation that we are living through, its unprecedented nature. I do not believe this crisis can be solved thanks to a few hours of discussions.”

Between all attempts from allegiant powers to diminish any possible violence between the Ukraine and Russia, the Biden administration vows to remain engaged in the international arena. According to the New York Times, as of now, American officials have committed to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty without fail.