A study of the factors of the war between Russia and Ukraine from the point of view of aggressive realism

The war between Russia and Ukraine is the biggest military conflict in Europe and one of the most important events of the international system in the 21st century. After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, there were occasional conflicts between these two countries that did not lead to a major war, but in February 2022, Russia, contrary to the principle of sovereignty, launched a military attack on Ukraine, which also had global consequences. There are various analyzes regarding this war and its factors, but what is closer to the existing realities is the realistic analysis of the war. Considering the importance of this war and the position of realism in the analysis of wars in international relations, the question is raised, what factors caused this war from the point of view of realism? Apparently, Russia's power-seeking and ambitious policies to expand power, secure interests, maintain security and Russia's position in the region and the world, and especially the issue of Ukraine joining NATO, caused this war. The purpose of the research is to investigate the factors of the war between Russia and Ukraine from the perspective of realism theory. Descriptive-analytical research method and the tools of books, articles and reports have been used in the form of the theoretical framework of aggressive realism. The findings of the research showed that Russia attacked NATO in accordance with the historical, geopolitical, political and economic requirements and in line with the realization of its goals, security and interests, especially the Ukraine issue. Russia showed that the presence of the West and NATO in the most important foreign sphere close to it is dangerous for this country, and it even resorted to war to prevent it.