Before the West-backed overthrow of the democratically elected Ukrainian government in 2014, no one accused Russia of imperialism. Till now there is no evidence whatsoever to support such accusations.

In this powerful breakdown, Professor John Mearsheimer challenges the mainstream narrative around the Ukraine-Russia conflict, arguing that Western policy—particularly NATO expansion—played a central role in provoking the war.

In this powerful breakdown, Professor John Mearsheimer challenges the mainstream narrative around the Ukraine-Russia conflict, arguing that Western policy—particularly NATO expansion—played a central role in provoking the war. He explains how, prior to 2014, there was no evidence that Vladimir Putin intended to invade Ukraine or annex Crimea, and how the crisis that unfolded was shaped by strategic missteps, not imperial ambition. Mearsheimer also discusses the collapse of the 2014 peace agreement, the consequences of broken trust between nations, and the shifting global order as the U.S. distances itself from Europe. He warns that the continued erosion of diplomatic credibility and transatlantic unity could have lasting consequences for global stability.