Nuclear weapons. There, now do I have your attention? Tensions between the United States and Russia have been complicated for several years but some light has been brought to the issue.

It all started when Russia intervened in Ukraine and annexed Crimea. The U.S. and the European Union continue to weaken the Russian economy, not helping to ease tensions. Relations are cold, but it has not always been that way. In fact, relations with the U.S. and Russia have been quite bipolar.

The European Union took advantage of the Soviet Union when they were ruled by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 80s. Shortly after, on Dec. 3, 1989, Gorbachev and George H.W. Bush declared Cold War on Malta Summit. In 1991, the Soviet Union dissolves and issues between the U.S. and Soviet Union (later renamed Russia) improved.

However, when Vladimir Putin was in charge, the U.S. and Russia developed problems. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 caused George W. Bush to be more cautious about foreign affairs which led to a dispute over the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Putin thought this was a big mistake.

Another issue Putin did not agree with was the invasion of Iraq. The U.S. wanted to protect both themselves and the European Union against potential threat by Iran and North Korea. Russia viewed this as a threat and launched a long-range missile that could “defeat any defense system”, according to carolmoore.net.

Obama hoped to relieve tension, but this later would become a lost cause. In 2010, U.S. and Russia agree to reduce their stockpile of nuclear weapons. In 2012, General Nikolay Yegorovich Makarov says there is a possibility of a strike on missile defense in the European Union, to apply pressure to the U.S. The U.S. did not respond well to this and in return, Russia banned the U.S. to adopt from their country.

There is not a definitive reason for why tensions are flaring, but this is not old news. Now that NATO has expanded up to Russian borders, this has only angered Russia. The U.S. is too stubborn and refuses to accept Russia as an equal partner.

Should we prepare for a war? It is hard to say at this given point in time. We as citizens should be aware of our foreign conflicts and hope that our country is making the right decisions.