The rising conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been making headlines as Russia has gathered a little over 130,000 troops along with areas of the Ukrainian border. This is being taken as an act of aggression and could be one of the largest European conflicts in years.

The Kremlin of Russia seems to be making many advances to secure the Ukrainian front lines by moving medical equipment, blood, and lots of military equipment. This standoff is rooted in the significance of Russia trying to reinstate its influence in Europe and the geographical advantage that Russia will gain if Ukraine becomes a part of the country. The taking over of Ukraine will fortify the capital of Russia and dramatically change the effects that Russia has on the world. Since the U.S has begun involving itself in the conflict, the tension between Russia and the United States has resulted in demands from both countries that help explain what is at stake. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) halt its eastward expansion and deny membership to Ukraine and that NATO is to take back the troops that have been deployed in countries that had joined after 1997. This would set back Europe’s geopolitical security and arrangement. These ultimatums are “a Russian attempt not only to secure interest in Ukraine but essentially relitigate the security architecture in Europe.”

So what happens if Russia actually decides to invade? In previous accounts in an attempt to destabilize Ukraine, Russia has turned to tactics of cyber attacks, hacking operations, and disinformation campaigns. However, in these previous accounts dating back to 2014, these attacks have not seemed to affect Ukraine’s pursuit of democracy or its ever so slow march westward, potentially leading to more aggressive Russian tactics this time around.