This story, no matter how often it is repeated, is a [[myth]]. There is no evidence that Putin wants to incorporate all of Ukraine into Russia or seeks to conquer any other country in [[eastern Europe]]. Furthermore, Russia does not have the [[military]] capability to achieve that ambitious goal, much less become a European hegemon.<ref>[https://mondediplo.com/2023/08/02great-powers Great power rivalries: the case for realism], John J. Mearsheimer, ''Le Monde diplomatique'', August 2023.</ref>}} | This story, no matter how often it is repeated, is a [[myth]]. There is no evidence that Putin wants to incorporate all of Ukraine into Russia or seeks to conquer any other country in [[eastern Europe]]. Furthermore, Russia does not have the [[military]] capability to achieve that ambitious goal, much less become a European hegemon.<ref>[https://mondediplo.com/2023/08/02great-powers Great power rivalries: the case for realism], John J. Mearsheimer, ''Le Monde diplomatique'', August 2023.</ref>}} |