Explanation of Russia's foreign policy in attacking Ukraine from the perspective of defensive realism

Due to its geopolitical, geostrategic and geoeconomic features, the position of Ukraine has made it the scene of conflict between two long-standing rivals in the international system, namely Russia and the United States. On the one hand, the United States is trying to promote Western values in Ukraine based on the criteria of liberal democracy and make this country a member of the European Union and NATO, on the other hand, Russia is also trying to, through measures according to the existing trends and contexts. Among the culture and identity of Ukrainian residents, prevent Ukraine from turning towards the European Union and the West. Therefore, in this research, we are trying to answer the question, how can Russia's military attack on Ukraine be explained based on the theory of defensive realism? The findings of the research show that Russia considers the actions of the West, such as the expansion of NATO to Russia's foreign countries, the joining of Ukraine to the European Union, and the West's support for the democratic movements around it, in order to limit itself, and as a strategic threat. is Therefore, this action of Russia can be explained based on 4 components of defensive realism, which include: overall power, geographical proximity, offensive power and aggressive intentions, in order to prevent Russia from being limited and repel possible actions against itself.