Abstract/Summary

On 21 February, President Vladimir Putin explained that Russian forces would enter Ukraine to “perform peacekeeping functions.” Earlier this year the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) also deployed “peacekeeping forces” to Kazakhstan, predominately made up of Russian troops. Peacekeeping has become central to Russia’s policy to pursue continued interest in the “near abroad”—former Soviet republics. However, Russian uses of the term “peacekeeping” have drawn criticism. This post explains why the use of this term by Russia is problematic in light of its historical development under the remit of the United Nations (UN) and the principles associated with it.