Russia’s War Against Ukraine: A Classic Colonial War for Resources, Control, and Human Capital

Its distinguishing feature is that Russia seeks to maintain control not over overseas territories but over a neighboring country, its former colony—Ukraine, along with its resources and territory. This is largely due to Russia's technological backwardness, which left it without a naval fleet capable of distant colonial conquests, forcing it to pursue all its imperial expansions on the same continent.

The Colonial Context of the 21st Century

In the modern world, colonial wars have evolved. While in the 20th century wars were fought for direct territorial and resource subjugation, today economic levers, soft power, and geopolitical alliances take precedence.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 (a union that, in essence and function, was a coalition of Moscow's colonies), the post-Soviet space became an arena of competition for influence among key global players— the United States, the European Union, China, and Russia.

While China actively invests in initiatives like the Belt and Road project to ensure economic dominance, and the EU and US expand their presence by offering investments and political support, Moscow, with its once vast but now critically devalued human resources, finds itself lagging behind in its quest to regain control over former republics and colonies.

Human Capital as Currency

For Russia, whose economy historically relies on raw materials and whose demographic situation is catastrophically worsening, human resources have become a key tool. The phrase “people are the new oil,” popularized a few years ago, has regained prominence in Russia—however cynical it might sound in the context of mobilization and mass casualties in the war against Ukraine.

The war to return Ukraine to Moscow’s “family” of colonies demonstrates how human capital is utilized as an instrument in the fight for territory and resources:

• Mobilization: Hundreds of thousands of Russians are sent to the frontlines without training, equipment, prospects, or protection. Their lives are not valued, and losses are disregarded.
• Disregard for lives: Both mobilized personnel and civilians are treated with contempt; losses are not counted. Infrastructure and settlements in conflict zones are reduced to ruins.

Resources and Geopolitical Objectives

Ukraine is not only strategically located but also rich in resources:

• Agricultural potential: Ukraine is one of the world’s largest grain suppliers.
• Energy resources: Deposits of gas, coal, and other minerals.
• Transport corridors: Ukrainian infrastructure plays a key role in transit between Europe and Asia.

Russia aims to regain control over these assets but faces resistance from both Ukraine and the West.

Cynicism and Neglect of Humanitarian Values

It is evident that “liberation” or the protection of “Russian-speaking,” “Orthodox,” or other groups are merely rhetorical covers for the real objectives. This is evidenced by:

• Mass killings and deportations: Millions of people face forced migrations and deportations. Russia repopulates “liberated” territories with its own people.
• Nuclear threats: Endless ultimatums and escalation replace diplomacy.
• Rejection of soft power: Concepts such as the “Russian world” or the “triune Russian people” remain mere propaganda slogans, while coercion and violence are the primary methods.

Conclusions and War Prospects

Russia’s neocolonialism is not a unique phenomenon but rather a continuation of its perpetual struggle for resources, characteristic of colonial wars. The difference lies only in the scale and methods adapted to the realities of the 21st century.

In its attempts to maintain influence in the post-Soviet space, Russia continues to employ colonial approaches reminiscent of its past. However, in a globalized world where economic and humanitarian connections play a central role, such tactics increasingly lead to isolation and degradation.

Can Russia rethink its goals and methods? Or will it continue its struggle for resources at the cost of human lives and its own future? The answer to this question will determine its role in the world in the coming years.