An Analysis of the Russo-Ukrainian War

Author

Daniel Braslavsky, CUNY City CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Department

International Relations

First Advisor

Jean Krasno

Second Advisor

Mario Baez

Keywords

Russo-Ukrainian War, Ukraine, Russia, Zelensky, Putin, war crimes, Donbas, Crimea

Abstract

This thesis is a deep analysis of Russia’s aggression against and full-scale invasion of Ukraine, commonly referred to as the Russo-Ukrainian War. This is the largest conflict in Europe since WWII with devastating implications for Europe and the world. First it examines the root causes and political ideologies at play to understand why Vladimir Putin decided to launch his invasion in the first place. Then it puts together a chronological history of the war broken up into the post-Euromaidan period including the Russian annexation of Crimea and war in the Donbas (2014-22), and Russia’s full-scale invasion (2022-present). Next it reviews the horrific war crimes and violations of international law committed against Ukraine, a significant part of Russia’s toolkit. Afterwards it focuses on international support for both Ukraine and Russia, detailing the military and financial support delivered by Western allies, NATO, and the EU for Ukraine as well as the assistance provided by the other members of CRINK to Russia. My analysis relies on a combination of books, journal articles, news outlets, official websites of IGOs, and an interview as my main forms of methodology.

This war provides lessons for how a smaller democracy (State A) can maintain its sovereignty and independence from a more-powerful authoritarian neighbor (State B) who has a prior history of exerting its influence on State A. This is accomplished by unwavering leadership, strong national unity which in turn boosts national morale, robust militaristic and diplomatic international support which levels the power imbalance, and an independent domestic defense industry to enhance defensive capabilities.

As Russia continues its war of aggression and American leadership on the world stage is tested, autocratic countries are increasingly working together to subvert the West and the liberal international order. The world is watching this conflict closely as its implications will affect countries in similar situations to Ukraine, such as Taiwan.

Recommended Citation

Braslavsky, Daniel, "An Analysis of the Russo-Ukrainian War" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1236