Written by: Ashraya Karki - 23066, Grade XI
Posted on: 21 February, 2022
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia, both former Soviet states, escalated in late 2013 over a landmark political and trade deal with the European Union. After the pro-Russian then President, Viktor Yanukovych, suspended the talks reportedly under pressure from Moscow weeks of protests in Kyiv capital of Ukraine erupted into violence and riot. Adding up fuel to the fire, the issues started to escalate when Russia took over Crimea in 2014. Although it was believed to be part of Ukraine, Russia intervened with a mass military march toward the Ukraine border and encroached on it forcefully. Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, US officials say, including moving troops to neighbor Belarus for military exercises. This has included sending more equipment to separatists in eastern Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian defense intelligence. It is said Russia had sent “7,000 tons of fuel, several tanks, and self-propelled artillery systems, other weapons, and ammunition, including artillery systems and mortars” to the separatist regions with the full preparation for a year-long war.
Russia doesn’t want Ukraine to be part of NATO because as we all know Russia is a pro-communist country and doesn't want any of its neighboring countries to be part of the western alliance Ukraine has warned that Russia is trying to destabilize the country ahead of any planned military invasion. Western powers have repeatedly warned Russia against further aggressive moves against Ukraine.
The Kremlin denies it is planning to attack and argues that NATO support for Ukraine including increased weapons supplies and military training constitutes a growing threat on Russia's western flank. Ukraine's government insists that Moscow cannot prevent Kyiv from building closer ties with NATO if it chooses."Russia cannot stop Ukraine from getting closer with NATO and has no right to have any say in relevant discussions," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement to CNN, in response to Russian calls for NATO to halt its eastward expansion. Alexander Boris De Pfeffel Johnson the prime minister of the United Kingdom also passed a comment in the parliament that “ Invading Ukraine would be disastrous and a painful violent and bloody business ” whereas there is no solid remark from the United States of America. Now, the world is waiting for a Geopolitical twist and hoping for both Russia and Ukraine to come up with better solutions and understanding.
