A year ago, Russian troops entered Ukraine, the first stage in the reconstruction of the Russian empire.
It is Vladimir Putin himself who affirms it, since he wants Russia to regain its historical territories.
Yet Russia is already the largest country in the world. Its area is almost twice that of Canada.
Eastern Europe, Central Asia and even, theoretically, Alaska are therefore in Putin’s sights.
Raising this possibility a year ago would have been received as petty anti-Russian propaganda.
However, we have to face the facts: this ambition of reconquest was clearly expressed by Putin.
Ukrainian dam
The Ukrainians blocked him. At an incredible price.
More than 10 million Ukrainians have fled their country, around 25% of the population.
The number of Ukrainian soldiers dead, wounded or missing is secret. But it is presumably similar to that of the decimated Russian soldiers, almost 200,000.
The war in Ukraine weighs heavily on civilians.
But the Ukrainians are holding on.
Against all odds, not only did they resist the invader, but they also regained part of the territories that the Russians had conquered.
homeland and freedom
Why are they holding on? Putin responds to this question that they are overwhelmed by American propaganda. It’s wrong.
The reason for their resistance can be summed up in two words: homeland and freedom.
They refuse to return to the yoke of Russia. A power that left memories of famine and terror during the years it controlled Ukraine.
Ukrainians have chosen the path of freedom, a path that is repugnant to dictators like Putin.
Ukrainians know what losing your freedom means. For them, democracy is an armed struggle.
A fight that holds 80% of the Russian ground forces in check.
A fight that is worth more than the billions we send them.