Russian Foreign Policy in Eurasia and Re-Sovietisation of Ukraine under Putin

Abstract

This research study analyzes Putin's leadership and its efforts for Russianresurgence as a great power. In its desire to achieve its great power statusback; Russia has formed a more assertive foreign policy. Hence, it deemednecessary for Russian policy makers to re-Sovietize its former republics togain its desired objectives. Ukraine appears to be an important state for thecontemporary grand strategy of the Russian Federation. The annexation ofCrimea in 2014, have certain key drivers, such as the large ethnic Russianpopulation with the real grievances that had created instability, which madeRussia step in and intervene. Putin desired to enhance Russia’s internationalstature and deterring Western involvement in its sphere of influence. Russia'sforeign policy goals under Putin have been formulated upon the militaryadventures of the country, especially in its near abroad to engage the postSoviet periphery in geo-economic and geo-political ties with the RussianFederation. Putin seems determined to achieve a central position for Russiaby using his political ideology and leadership as a source of his vertical powerto affluence in the new geostrategic and economic pole of Eurasia. This studyhighlights Putin's keen interest in the former republic of Ukraine that holds avital position that escalated after annexing Crimea while consideringUkraine's importance in the geopolitics of Eurasia simultaneously.