Why is Russia fighting with Ukraine?

[SummersBreeze]

I know there was some tension between the two before now but why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Look at this: www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/60417806.amp

I’m not taking the pee, if you are asking this question then Newsround rocks for this.

I think its land grab, imperialism and not wanting Ukraine to join NATO or the EU, which they have been trying to do for some time - probably to protect themselves against exactly whays happening in now.

• what is

Basically because Russia doesnt want Ukraine to be independent /dated well back to middle ages/ and west orientated. If I understand it right Russia blocked Ukraine from joining NATO.
Plus because Putin is mad.

Land grab & resources
Just like the rest of the former USSR countries Ukraine became ‘independant’ in 1991

But the pesky Ukranians were not happy with corrupt elections of presidents approved by Russia, hence the Orange Revolution and a president that was poisoned by Russia

When they previously wanted independence in the 1930s Stalin dealt with that with starvation

Russia isn’t fighting with Ukraine. Russia has launched an attack and invaded Ukraine.

Because Putin doesn't want a functional democracy on his doorstep

Because Putin thinks he can do what he likes

Because Putin wants to gather up and put old Russian territory back together

Putin feels Ukraine joining NATO & EU is a betrayal and is a creeping of the West. He wants Ukraine for Russia, because it makes him look powerful (gives him more land and people to lord it over) and (very importantly) Ukraine has huge amounts of very valuable natural resources like gas and mineral desposits.

Useful information here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4490905-Can-anyone-explain-to-me-in-simple-terms-what-s-going-on-with-Russia-and-Ukraine