Why is there conflict in Ukraine and what is Putin’s endgame?

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Why is there conflict in Ukraine and what is Putin’s endgame? Here’s what you need to know

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched an unprecedented attack on Ukraine.
  
• The move comes after Putin ordered troops into two pro-Russian, breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine on Monday.
  
• Political analysts have been predicting that Russia could invade Ukraine for a while.
  
• Conflict in the Donbas between separatists, backed by Russia, and Ukrainian troops is nothing new.
  

Russian President Vladimir Putin is center stage as Russia launches what appears to be a wide-ranging attack and large-scale military operation against its neighbor Ukraine.

There have been multiple reports overnight of explosions, bombing and Russian military vehicles entering Ukraine from various parts of the border with Russia, although many reports remain unconfirmed.

The invasion of Ukraine is an event that many close followers of the president have feared for months, and indeed, years.

Putin had already gained the world’s attention earlier this week after he ordered troops into two pro-Russian, breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine and recognizing them as independent states.

Western officials and analysts scoffed at Putin’s claim that Russian troops sent into the region will act as “peacekeepers,” saying that the latest move could be a precursor to a larger invasion of Ukraine.

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