Do Ukrainians want to be part of Russia?

No, the vast majority of Ukrainians do not want to be part of Russia; polls consistently show overwhelming opposition to joining Russia, strong desire for sovereignty, and a shift towards pro-Western alignment, especially after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, which solidified Ukrainian national identity against Russian aggression. While some pockets of support for Russia existed, particularly in Russian-speaking eastern regions before the conflict, this sentiment has significantly decreased, with most Ukrainians prioritizing unity and independence over Russian control.

Do the people of Donbas want to be part of Russia?

Public opinion in the Donbas is deeply divided, with significant support for both remaining in Ukraine and joining Russia, complicated by years of conflict, displacement, and Russian control, but polls from before the full-scale invasion showed substantial minorities favoring Russia, while more recent data suggests many prefer staying in Ukraine or are apathetic, prioritizing stability over political alignment. While some residents, particularly in Russian-held areas, desire union with Russia, many others prefer to stay within Ukraine, even seeking reintegration after initial separatist movements. 

Why doesn't Putin want the Ukraine to join NATO?

In his speech on 21 February 2022, Putin again warned that Ukraine's membership of NATO would threaten Russia and that the alliance would use Ukraine to launch a surprise attack. At the time, Ukraine had not applied for NATO membership and was a long way from potentially joining.

What does Ukraine want?

Ukraine wants a lasting, just peace, not a surrender disguised as a deal, focusing on restoring territorial integrity (including Crimea) within 1991 borders, Russian troop withdrawal, accountability for war crimes, and strong security guarantees for future protection, ideally through EU/NATO membership, while rejecting weak agreements or significant territorial concessions that don't guarantee future security. 

Why are Ukrainians migrating to Russia?

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused the largest forced migration in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Up to a third of Ukraine's population has been displaced. Almost four years after the invasion, ten million Ukrainians remain forced from their homes.

Why do some Ukrainians want to be part of Russia? BBC News

Do Ukrainians consider themselves Russian?

Thus, for people who are “ethnic Ukrainians”, a total of 75% consider them to be part of the Ukrainian nation, for people who are “ethnic Russians” – a total of 61%.

Who is Russia's best friend?

Russia's closest allies are China, its primary strategic partner for economic and political support, and Belarus, its most reliant military and regional ally, especially since the Ukraine invasion. Other significant partners include Iran and North Korea, with whom Russia shares interests in countering Western influence, and India, a major trading partner and defense collaborator.
 

Why do Russia and Ukraine not get along?

Relations between the two countries became hostile after the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, which was followed by Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, and the war in Donbas, in which Russia backed the separatist fighters of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic.

Who's more powerful, Ukraine or Russia?

Russia's military capabilities outnumbered those of Ukraine for most indicators as of 2025. For example, the number of aircraft at the disposal of the Russian Army was close to 4,300, while the Ukrainian Armed Forces possessed 324 aircraft.

Who is stronger, NATO or Brics?

NATO is generally considered militarily stronger due to its unified collective defense, vastly superior defense spending, advanced technology, and coordinated troops led by the US, while BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, etc.) holds significant geopolitical and economic power, especially with China and India's large populations and economies, but lacks military integration, making NATO more powerful in conventional warfare, though BRICS's military strength (especially China & Russia) is growing.
 

What is NATO's strongest country?

The United States is the strongest country in NATO by a significant margin, leading in defense spending, military personnel, advanced technology, and overall power due to its vast, technologically superior forces across land, air, and sea, followed by major powers like the United Kingdom, France, and Turkey. 

Why did Trump stop aid to Ukraine?

He confirmed that he had withheld aid from Ukraine, while offering contradicting reasons for doing so. Trump first claimed it was withheld because of corruption in Ukraine, but later said it was because other nations, including those in Europe, were not contributing enough aid to Ukraine.

What countries are leaving NATO?

As of 2026, no member state has rescinded their membership, although it has been considered by several countries. Notwithstanding, a number of former dependencies of NATO members have never applied for membership subsequent to their becoming independent states.

Who is the rightful owner of Crimea?

In 2014, the peninsula was occupied by Russian forces and annexed by Russia, but most countries recognise Crimea as Ukrainian territory.

Are Ukrainians genetically distinct from Russians?

Ukrainians and Russians are genetically very similar as East Slavic peoples with shared roots in Kievan Rus, clustering closely with other Eastern Europeans like Poles and Belarusians, but they are not identical and maintain distinct genetic specificities due to centuries of separate development, migration, and regional influences. Studies show minor genetic differences in specific markers (like certain mutations) and varying admixtures with neighboring groups, with Russians showing more Finno-Ugric ties in the North and Ukrainians showing unique variants and links to Central/Western Europe.
 

Does Russia pose a threat to the US?

Russia poses a serious and persistent threat to its neighbors, the United States, and the democratic world. Even if the country's current regime were to be replaced today, Russia would still face systemic obstacles to becoming a free and democratic state.

Who is the #1 army in the world?

The United States is widely considered the #1 most powerful military globally in 2025, leading in defense spending, advanced technology, and global reach, with Russia and China typically ranking second and third, followed by India and South Korea, according to rankings like Global Firepower. The US's strength comes from its massive budget, nuclear triad, large air/naval fleets (especially carriers and stealth aircraft), cyber capabilities, and extensive overseas bases.
 

What percentage of Ukraine is taken by Russia?

As of 2024, Russia occupies almost 20% of Ukraine and about 3 to 3.5 million Ukrainians are estimated to be living under occupation; since the invasion, the occupied territories lost roughly half of their population.

What's stronger, Russia or the USA?

The two forces are evenly matched in terms of known nuclear capability, with the Nato nuclear powers – the US, UK and France – able to field 5,559 nuclear warheads to Russia's 5,580.

What do Ukrainians think of Americans?

Ukrainians generally view Americans and the U.S. positively as supporters against Russian aggression, seeing them as friends and a model democracy, though some frustration exists over perceived political complexities or slow aid, with strong appreciation for public solidarity but concern that decisions affecting Ukraine are made by others, making them feel like a pawn in global politics. Support for the U.S. is high, especially for its role in helping Ukraine survive, though specific leaders or policies (like Trump's) can draw strong criticism. 

Who is Russia's biggest friend?

Russia's closest friend, especially in terms of strategic partnership against Western influence, is widely considered to be China, with leaders referring to each other as "friends of steel" and increasing military/economic ties; other crucial allies include Belarus, its most reliable military partner, and nations like Iran, North Korea, and India, which offer economic support and shared opposition to Western policies, though China holds the strongest position in Russian public opinion. 

What was Ukraine called before Ukraine?

Before it was simply "Ukraine," the region now known as Ukraine was called various names, including parts of Kievan Rus', Ruthenia, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and often by Russians as "Little Russia" (Malorossiya), while later under Soviet rule it was the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic; the name "Ukraine" itself, meaning "borderland," emerged in the 16th century. 

Who would side with Russia in a war?

In a potential war, Russia would likely find backing from nations sharing anti-Western sentiments or seeking military/economic cooperation, primarily China, its most powerful partner, along with military suppliers like Iran, North Korea, and its closest ally Belarus. Other potential supporters include countries in Africa (Mali, CAR, Zimbabwe), Latin America (Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua), and some Central Asian nations, often through groups like BRICS or SCO, focusing on challenging Western influence. 

Are Trump and Putin friends?

Peter Conradi, in GQ magazine, described this relationship as a "bromance". Between 2013 and 2015, Trump stated "I do have a relationship with" Putin, "I met him once", and "I spoke indirectly and directly with President Putin, who could not have been nicer." From 2016, during his election campaign, his stance changed.