Following the overthrow of Ukraine’s pro-Russian President Yanukovych, Putin annexed Crimea, marking a decisive shift towards open conflict with the West.
Russia, particularly after 2010, has actively moved to dismantle the security order established after 1991, aiming to re-establish a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 2. Key Turning Points Putin vs the West
Putin delivered a fiery speech criticizing the United States' "unipolar" world and NATO's aggressive expansion. Putin annexed Crimea
The "special military operation" was designed by Putin to prevent Ukraine from joining the Western camp, which he considers to be part of the historical Russian "orbit". particularly after 2010