Perspective
By Venkatesh Raghavan
There are multiple power game hypotheses doing the rounds around the resurgence of Russian military aggression near the Eastern borders of Ukraine. The theorizing centres around the timing of the military hostility as many Russians view it as a diversionary tactic to whip up patriotic fervour prior to the forthcoming September elections in Russia.
While there has been a protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine since February 2014 centres around the status of the Ukranian regions of Crimea and Donbass, the reason for the above perspective arises from massive numbers favouring Putin’s jailed Political opponent Alexei Navalny who had staged a Nationwide anti corruption drive against the ruling dispensation. Though this may merit some credence, there are international observers who think differently.
The view offered by intelligence inputs emanating from Ukraine-based diplomatic channels disclosed that 84% of Ukrainian population are impacted with the Covid pandemic and most economic activity in the country has ground to a halt.
It’s perceived that Russian militia plan to put the Ukrainian vulnerability to good use by engaging in sabre rattling and launch psychological warfare. Though Ukraine does enjoy international support from the West, including the United States, the situation remains tense as the troop movements in its Eastern borders currently stop short of any actual invasion.
Intelligence reports also mentioned about Ukraine planning and lobbying to become a member of the NATO block. Currently though, the reaction to hostile Russian troop movements are emanating from the newly elected US president, Joe Biden who has announced that he will be reviewing the ties between US and Russia and come out with an appropriate action plan.
Meanwhile, the troop movements taking place on the border sounded worrisome to the Ukrainian government, owing to the number of soldiers occupying the stretch placed at 40,000. Though international pressure from Germany, France and other nations of the West block sounded a warning note to quell the Russian territorial ambitions. the official line from Moscow maintained that it was routine troop movement within Russian territory and purely an internal matter of the country.
In New York, the United Nations Secretary-General’s office said it was following the reports of increased ceasefire violations, troop movements in Eastern Ukraine. “We’re following these developments with concern. Our message to all the actors involved and all relevant actors is to exercise utmost restraint to avoid any actions and rhetoric that would further raise tensions. All outstanding issues should be and need to be addressed through dialogue.
