From time immemorial, Russia is known for invading and annexing smaller countries. But this time Russia could not have a walk over although 2014 Crimea was annexed without much international protest. Biden’s administration relentlessly announced doomsday warnings about an impending invasion. But Vladimir Putin repeatedly assured that he had no intention to attack in spite of the build up of columns of tanks in the Russian border with Ukraine.
As expected, Russia invaded Ukraine, an independent democratic country on 24/02/2022. In an emergency session, 141 of the 193 member states of United Nations (UNO) voted for a resolution to condemn Russia on its invasion of Ukraine. In the group who supported Russia include predominantly autocratic countries. India,a democratic country abstained from voting for the resolution.
This blog does not cover the period prior to the deteriorating relationship since Pro Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was deposed through democratic election in Ukraine. Putin started the war as ‘Special Military Operation’ instead of officially calling it a war. On 24/02/2022, columns of tanks encroached into the eastern territory of Ukraine and from Belarus the tanks encroached into the northern region of Ukraine. At the same time there was heavy bombardment of missiles in the Ukrainian cities. World leaders condemned the flagrant violation of international law and dissipating a sovereign country. NATO countries and EU imposed strong sanctions against Russia. America, UK ,Germany, France,Canada, South Korea,Japan and Australia offered military and financial help to Ukraine.
There was a vigorous resistance from Ukraine, which was supported by NATO countries. Initially Russia bombed cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv, and the Russian soldiers said to have committed a lot of human rights abuse on civilians in places like Bucha near Kyiv. Innocent civilians were shot at sight and women were raped. Russia also pursued a scorched earth strategy which is evidenced after the capture of Mariupole. Terrorising the civilians is a general tactic adopted by Russia.
Russia quickly captured Chernobyl Nuclear plant in the north of Ukraine at the beginning of the war. Later they took control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is one of the biggest in the world. A missile attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant can be more catastrophic than Chernobyl disaster. UN Secretary General António Guterres called on Russia to pull its troops out and demilitarise the area with a safe perimeter. Later Russia focused on the eastern regions Luhansk and Donetsk.
Almost 20000 mercenaries from all over the world including Japan and India went to Ukraine to fight against the Russian soldiers. To dissuade the influx of mercenaries, Russia imposed capital punishment. It has been reported that Russian Kangaroo court in Donbas awarded death penalty for a few of the captured British mercenaries. Although majority of Russians supported the ‘ special military operation’ there were uproar against the invasion on a neighbouring country. Putin crushed these protests tactfully.
Kherson was the first major city to fall to Russia after Vladimir Putin launched his full scale invasion of Ukraine. On 2n March 2022, Russian military captured the city. Later Ukrainians protested against the puppet Russian administration in Kherson. Now it has been reported that Kherson is on the verge of being recaptured by the Ukrainian army. Although until August 2022, Russian army had headway in the war,now the current trend is favouring Ukraine.
Most of the Russian soldiers are conscripts, who do not have any conviction in the special operation. Putin offered several incentives to those who join the Russian army. These youngsters were misled to join the army to be fed as cannon fodder. Russia is struggling to find more soldiers to fight in Ukraine and has expanded recruitment efforts by eliminating the upper age limit and by tapping into prisons. “Many of these new recruits have been observed as older, unfit and ill-trained,” as reported by a Pentagon official. All these factors contribute to reduce the morale of the invading military.Ukrainian army are disciplined and dedicated and will stand against the might of the sophisticated weaponry of Russian military.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified a total of 5,663 civilian deaths 8055 injured during Russia's invasion of Ukraine as of August 28, 2022. Over 13 million Ukrainians have been displaced.It has been reported that 9000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the war. Pentagon reported that Russia has lost 50,000 soldiers killed or wounded in its invasion of Ukraine and nearly 1,700 tanks have been destroyed.This is a war of attrition,which can go on for years. Over the course of six months, the war has captured the world's attention, disrupted the global distribution of food and fuel and left the world reeling.
United Nations inspectors spent several days at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant which is under the control of Russian soldiers. It has been announced that two inspectors will remain on a permanent basis to ensure safety of the plant. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered a negotiated settlement, but the president Zelensky and Ukrainian army are unlikely to settle without retaking the lost territory. Peace loving world is looking for an end to the war and wonder whether Ukrainian counter offensive will be effective and sustained. “We have launched offensive operations in many directions . We can confirm that we have broken through the first line of defence,” said a spokesperson for Ukraine’s southern command, Natalia Gumenyuk, on 29/08/2022. Impartial observers of Ukrainian war stated that the Russian military activities in the east of Dnieper River have substantially reduced in the last month.
In history we learn Soviet Union retreated from Afghanistan,when Mujahedeen sought help from the US. In my view the occupation of 20% Ukrainian territory by the Russian army cannot go on indefinitely, if Western countries sustain financial and military support to Ukraine. US president called Putin a war criminal and leaders of most democratic countries share his views. The economy of Russia,the setbacks in war front and the changing public opinion in Russia will soften the resolve of Putin.
Dr.C.J.George FRCS
.jpg )
Comment Form