<h5>What is the history of Ukraine and Russia?</h5>  <p>Russia and Ukraine were a part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) or the Soviet Union since 1922. The USSR comprised Russia and fourteen other surrounding countries. In 1991, the USSR disintegrated into different countries due to many social, economic, and military reasons. Ukraine was one of the countries that gained independence from the USSR at this time.</p>
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<p>In 2014, the Ukrainian parliament voted to oust President Viktor Yanukovych after he rejected a deal with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Russia. Many Ukrainians believed that this deal would have greatly benefited them. </p>
<p>Soon after, masked Russian troops took control of the parliament of Crimea, a peninsula located in the south of Ukraine. The government of Ukraine said that Russia’s invasion of Crimea was a violation of their sovereignty.
</p> <h5>What is the recent conflict about?</h5>  <p>At the heart of the conflict lies Russia’s objection to Ukraine’s close ties with and ambition to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). NATO is a military alliance between thirty independent countries including the United States. NATO members agree to protect each other if any of them are attacked by an external party. Recently, Ukraine has also been designated as a “partner country” to NATO. 
</p> <h5>Why is this conflict in the news now?</h5>  <p>Russia gathered more than 100,000 of its troops at its border with Ukraine and in Crimea, recently. This led to a fear that Russia might invade Ukraine and start a war. Russia denied these claims and stated that it had the right to move its troops wherever it wanted in its own territory. </p>
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Russia demanded that Ukraine and other former-Soviet nations not be offered NATO membership. It also demanded that NATO stop military exercises near Russia’s border. The United States and its allies rejected these demands. Both the United States and Russia accused each other of raising tensions in the region.
</p> <h5>How are countries around the world responding?</h5>  <p>The United States and the United Kingdom, Ukraine’s close allies, provided weapons to Ukraine. These countries also prepared troops to send to Ukraine and surrounding countries. NATO sent ships and jets to help Ukraine. </p>
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Other countries have either sent or have promised to send non-military aid in the form of medical supplies, financial resources, etc. Many countries across the world promised to impose sanctions on Russia if they invade Ukraine. Meanwhile, China expressed support towards Russia. India remained neutral by not taking sides.  
</p> <h5>What lies ahead for these countries?</h5>  <p>While countries across the world were trying to end this conflict diplomatically, on 24 February 2022, Russia declared war on Ukraine. Ukrainian forces are now fighting the Russian military. Civilians have either joined the military or are hiding in basements to avoid impact from Russian missiles. Countries across the world have imposed sanctions on Russia for attacking another nation. 
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A war is currently taking place between Ukraine and Russia. What led to this war and how are other nations responding to it? Let’s find out.

The Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine

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The Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine

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