Russia has attacked Ukraine in what could be the start of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion. While there had been tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, for a long time, the situation began getting out of control in early 2021. In January last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged US President Joe Biden to let Ukraine join NATO. This angered Russia's Vladimir Putin, who started sending troops near its Ukraine border for "training exercises" in spring last year and increased it during autumn. The new tension between Russia and Ukraine, which also borders the European Union, has repercussions for the EU. And that's why the EU, most of who are NATO signatories have joined the US in announcing sanctions, against Russian entities.