They're not worried. There are several reasons they want

Posted on: February 9, 2022 at 11:14:57 CT

to reincorporate it into Russia, however.

1. It was historically part of the Russian Empire, then the Soviet Union, going all the way back to at least the 17th century. It didn't truly become a fully independent nation till the Soviet Empire broke up in 1991.
2. Putin called the fall of the Soviet Union "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe in human history." He wants to rebuild/recreate as much of the Soviet Empire, and the Russian Empire, as he can, with himself as the new "Tsar".
3. Ukraine is the logical next step for him. It borders several NATO countries and taking it would make it easier for him to destabilize and weaken NATO.
4. His overriding ambition is to divide and weaken NATO in order to increase his influence over Europe and the US, and prevent yet another invasion of Russia from the West. Of course, there is pretty much zero chance the West invades Russia again, but his paranoia runs deep, and he knows his Russian history.

Edited by *M* at 11:20:47 on 02/09/22