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Russia during its Communist post-WW 2-past had been the effective master over all of eastern Europe. This has often been depicted as 'proof' of Russia's expansionist policies. In reality, the Russians - who had suffered tremendous casualties in WW 2, much more than all the other Allies taken together - saw this 'ring' of Communist-dominated satellite countries as an essential protection against any new attack from the West. Plus, many countries that became independent in the Nineties - like the Baltic countries - were until then even an integral part of the old Soviet Union.
When the Russians let go of their satellite countries and allowed several parts of the Soviet Union to become independent countries, the Americans and the European countries promised Russia that they would not 'abuse' this decision by immediately pulling them into the Western sphere of influence.
But almost immediately afterwards, citing the 'wishes of the peoples' as an excuse, they proceeded in the span of a few years to make almost all those countries members of NATO and the EU. It will be no surprise that Russia and especially its president Putin saw this as a betrayal of trust and as a threat to its security.
What you see today, is Russia pushing back and re-asserting itself. By taking back the Crimea and browbeating the Ukraine (both were part of Russia since the 17th century) into not becoming even an associate EU member it is showing that it will not allow its former parts to 'defect' to the West and become a possible threat to itself. In the Ukraine as in Georgia efforts of these countries to become part of Western blocs were countered by Russia by supporting and arming separatist movements and their fight for independence, destabilizing those countries and keeping them very aware of Russian power.And in general, Putin's Russia is aiming to become once again a world power with a mind of its own that will be respected (or feared) in the West.
Its totally independent approach to the fighting in Syria, defying Western policies on the subject, is largely a show of that policy. Another way in which Russia is trying to regain some of its former greatness that they feel the West robbed them of in the Nineties, is its political use of Europe's dependency on Russian oil and gas.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause they had the war going on
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Why is russia not considered part of Asia?
Russia does belong to Europe, but it also does belong to the continent of Asia. However, Russia is considered more European than Asian. It has always been historically and politically tied to Europe much more than it has been to Asia.
How is Europe and Russia the same?
Russia is a part of Europe. Most of its population lives in European Russia and it has always been linked to Europe historically and culturally. The Russian Empire always had control of Western Europe up until the late 1900s.
Which is true about Central Asia It has a long history of conquest and political division It has been controlled by Russia for thousands of years It is very isolated from the rest of Asia and Europe?
Answer: It has a long history of conquest and olitical division (this answer is for the apex learning)
Why did Europe have many history?
BECAUSE EUROPE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR LONGER. obviously!
Is there any history of Ebola in Europe in the dark ages?
It is not known to have been in Europe at that time.
Has Europe been part of China?
Yes , the Khan destiny has ruled most of Russia. Also , the Chinese Han , have ruled Europe 4000years ago.
What is Russia's economic system?
Capitalist, with various state regulations and controls, much like the rest of Europe. Russia has not been Socialist for over two decades.
What countries have been affected by air pollution?
Mongolia, japan, china, usa, france, russia, and canada and many more
What was the deadliest heat wave in history?
It would probably have been the 2003 heatwave in Europe that lasted from June to august. More than 35 000 people died as a result of the heatwave. many heat records were broken and severe drought affected crop harvests throughout much of Europe.
How has Eastern Germany been affected by the reunification of Germany in 1991?
It canged west Germany at the heart of a new Europe.
What statements best describes how Europe has been affected by its many rivers?
The river have provided important transportation routes. :)
What goods were brought from Europe to the Americas?
Throughout history, trade has been used to import materials from Europe to the Americas. For instance, sugar, wood, and coal was imported to the Americas.
