Ukraine’s sovereignty and self-defense are important, the war also functions as a proxy conflict between Russia and the West. Major Western powers provide Ukraine with weapons, funding, and intelligence, not only to support Ukraine but to weaken Russia’s military and limit its global influence. At the same time, Russia views NATO’s expansion and Western involvement as a direct threat to its strategic interests. As a result, the conflict extends beyond Ukraine itself, reflecting a broader struggle for power, influence, and security between Russia and Western nations.