Russia-Ukraine conflict: NATO expansion and historical superstitions

Political analyst John Mearsheimer discusses the motivations behind the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting that while the West views Vladimir Putin as an imperialist seeking to recreate a 'Greater Russia,' Russia perceives NATO expansion as an existential threat. Mearsheimer suggests that Western efforts to support Ukraine have reinforced Russian beliefs that the United States and Europe intend to use Ukraine as a tool to weaken or exclude Russia from the ranks of great powers.

In a separate context, Russian ultra-nationalist media outlet Cargrad has invoked the 'August curse,' a superstition referencing historical periods of instability in Russia, such as the 1991 coup attempt and the 1998 financial crisis. The outlet warned that Ukraine and its Western allies may plan significant actions during the month, linking these historical patterns of chaos to the current political climate and the leadership of Vladimir Putin.