In a recent interview, Lauri Mälksoo, a professor of international law at the University of Tartu, discusses the underlying motivations behind Russia's aggression against Ukraine. He asserts that this conflict is not merely a modern geopolitical struggle but draws from a deep historical rationale that parallels the imperial ambitions of both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Mälksoo highlights that despite the Soviet Union's claims of being anti-imperialist, its territorial policies were largely consistent with those of its imperial predecessors.

Mälksoo further explains that Russia's diplomatic history has been marked by a pattern of signing international agreements at moments of weakness, using them as a strategic tool to buy time. Once the balance of power shifts in its favor, Moscow is quick to abandon these agreements unilaterally. This cyclical approach to diplomacy underscores a broader trend of Russian political behavior that pivots on manipulating international relations to serve its strategic interests.

The professor warns that the current aggression serves as a stark message to smaller nations within the Russian sphere of influence, emphasizing their vulnerability. By invoking historical justifications for its actions, Russia is asserting its dominance and leveraging historical narratives that resonate deeply within its geopolitical context. Mälksoo's insights reveal a concerning trajectory for international law and norms, as they are increasingly influenced by power dynamics rather than principled commitments.