**Russia’s 2014 Aggression in Ukraine: A Cautionary Tale**
The world was shocked when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17 was shot down on July 17, 2014. The tragic incident claimed the lives of all 298 people on board, including 80 children.
However, this was just one of many events that marked a significant escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine. In early 2014, Russia began to annex Crimea and covertly invaded Ukraine’s Donbas region. This hybrid war would last nearly a decade, culminating in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
**Why the West Failed to Act**
The West’s meek response to Russia’s aggression not only prolonged the conflict but also paved the way for the devastating full-scale invasion in 2022. The initial spark for the war was Ukraine’s decision to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union, which Moscow saw as a threat to its influence.
In February 2014, Russia occupied Crimea and formally annexed it by March. In April, Russian proxy troops infiltrated Donbas, sparking violent confrontations. Despite these events, the West’s response was tepid, introducing sectoral sanctions only after the downing of MH-17.
**The Importance of Understanding**
Understanding the events of 2014 and the West’s delayed and inadequate response is crucial for interpreting the current war. The West’s failure to grasp the true nature of the conflict was due in part to a lack of expertise on Ukraine and Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics.
Many in the international community, particularly in Europe, viewed the conflict as an internal Ukrainian issue that could be resolved through diplomacy. This failure allowed the war to drag on for over a decade.
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