Elis Vllasi: Strategic influence of Russian invasion of Ukraine

In a March 3rd, 2022 interview with Radio NL, Dr. Elis Vllasi spoke about why Russia has targeted specific areas of Ukraine during its invasion.

"The eastern and southern parts of Ukraine have been eyed by Russia," he says. "These regions have a large Russian ethnic minority or majority and also a pro-Russian speaking population.

Strategically, Vllasi noted that by taking over southern Ukraine, Russia would be able to build a land bridge from the Russian Federation all the way to Moldova. This would cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea. 

Listen to the full interview here.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these media interviews belong solely to the interviewees, and not necessarily to Simon Fraser University's Department of Political Science.