- The Russian invasion of Ukraine will be crossing 100 days sooner and there are still no signs of the former slowing down or announcing a ceasefire. A monumental loss of lives, livelihood, properties and crippling sanctions imposed by the international community appears to have failed to dissuade the Russian strongman Vladimir Putin from pursuing military operations. Despite international pressure mounted on an unprecedented scale to stop Moscow from further precipitating the conflict, the autocrat in Putin refuses to acknowledge the majority sentiment of stopping the unyielding destructions perpetrated on hapless Ukrainians. Consequently, the escalating prices of essential commodities are northbound placing every country under duress.
PC: Israeli troops
- Whatever the reasons being cited by Moscow for the invasion appear to be sounding hollow by the day as the devasting effects of the war unfold everywhere. As reports suggest, with at least 959 Ukrainian defenders of the Azovstal steelworks plant surrendering to Russian forces in Mariupol, Moscow should feel it now has effective control of the battered Ukrainian city. As you are aware, Mariupol’s fall makes it the biggest city to be captured by Russian forces in the ongoing war giving Moscow total control over the crucial Azov sea coast. Also, it enables a strategic land bridge from Russian-controlled Crimea in southern Ukraine to the separatist Donbas region in the east. Needless to mention, this has come at a huge price for Moscow.
- It is well reported how the stubborn Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol for 82 days bogged down a huge amount of Russian military resources. In other words, Russia’s military plans have gone horribly wrong with the war dragging on for months. Moreover, Ukraine continues to be militarily replenished by the US and EU keeping the fighting forces to stall the advancing Russians. In a subsequent but related development, hitherto neutral Finland and Sweden have applied to join Nato even as Russia stands increasingly isolated in the comity of nations. Paradoxically speaking, Vladimir Putin cannot be seen to be losing face and hence has pushed on with his military operations despite suffering heavy losses.
PC: Robin Forsberg & Jason C. Moyer
- It is evident Putin is desperately looking for a face-saver to cater to the domestic audience and the fall of Mariupol potentially gives him an opportunity. With Mariupol under Russian seizure, Putin should have enough to justify his Ukraine gambit and call for wider hostilities henceforth. Even though Ukrainians will continue to claim Mariupol. However, the claim will be akin to Kyiv’s claims over Crimea and Donbas since 2014. Halting the war now will also provide succor to the international community reeling from rising energy prices, disrupted trade, and growing food shortages. Thus, it’s in the best interest of Russia to exhibit pragmatism and play smart to cut even further losses by halting the war now.
