Russia President Vladimir Putin (Photo) 

1) To stop Ukraine from joining NATO. 

According to iNews, NATO which means the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is an intergovernmental military alliance whose aim is “to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means”.

2) To effect a regime change in Ukraine

Another possible reason why they are carrying out the invasion may be to effect a regime change in Ukraine. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in support of his country joining NATO. One way Russia could stop that could be to take control of Ukraine and install someone that doesn’t have the same visions as Zelenskyy as President.

3) To expand their territory

Before commencing the invasion, Russia first announced that they have recognized the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in Eastern Ukraine as independent states.

Therefore, one of the reasons for their invasion of Ukraine could be to install leaders in the two “independent states” who will then be their allies. That will reduce the territory NATO will occupy if Ukraine eventually succeeds in joining them.