To analyze the Ukraine conflict, two contrasting theories of international relations (IR), notably Offensive Realism and Liberal Internationalism were used. In addition to outlining key theoretical concepts, the article also draw the spotlight on two IR theorists, John G. Ikenberry and John J. Mearsheimer, whose names are strongly linked to these concepts. It explored both of these theories' explanatory potential through a comparative approach while also trying to understand the developments surrounding the Ukrainian conflict. Based on Mearsheimer's Offensive Realism and Ikenberry's Liberal Internationalism, respectively, this work attempts to understand the Ukrainian conflict and its developments. It was examined that how well these theories can shed light on why Russia behaved the way it did and why Ukraine acted the way it did throughout the war. With a focus on the West, this study also offered insights into how to end the war in Ukraine.