Is Donbas really independent

The present war-like situation is primarily due to the flexing of muscles by the U.S., which stands like a rudderless ship after its ignominious exit from Afghanistan. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, recognized the rebel-controlled South Ukraine regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which has substantial coal reserves.

Ukraine could be a burden without many resources and have only recently moved into exports of Agri-commodities like Sunflower oil and barley. The West was wooing Ukraine merely because it was a border state of Russia. One can easily read the intentions of the EU admitting Ukraine into NATO and placing its missiles closer to Russia, which can only put Putin run Russia under pressure. The ploy has boomeranged, though.

Russia may have many weapons of mass destruction, more than those claimed to have been held by Saddam Hussain and Muammar Gaddafi. The only difference is the U.S. cannot repeat another desert storm, and Putin will not tamely give up hiding in the underground. Sanctions have been slapped on Russia ever since it occupied Crimea in 2014. Russia has learnt to live, disregarding the sanctions. More sanctions to freeze Russian funds and trade have been discussed for the last month.

It appears that the sanctions will be imposed only after Russia invades Ukraine and occupies it and not before. Russia defends the recognition of the Donbas regions as Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of violating the Minsk Treaty. I believe that no NATO member, save the United Kingdom, may be keen to engage in a war with Russia, which would jeopardize their energy supplies and pose an increased security threat in their region. For this reason, the U.S. is unable to take any unilateral actions. The result is visible from the desperation of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaching out to his sworn adversary and counterpart from China, Wang Li, the Chinese stoutly defending Russia and Putin.

The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, must be a troubled man. Besides many diplomatic overtures and press interviews, nothing tangible has accrued to Ukraine. A Ukraine minister decried the pathetic situation when Germany promised to send 5000 helmets that next, they may send Ukraine as many pillows.

The western world erupted in jubilation when the Soviet empire collapsed without a shot fired. History is ongoing and cannot stop at a scene of one’s choice. The NATO forces must call off their bluff and take on Russia decisively and now, with or without the American support. Lest a new power centre with China and Russia will get together to etch a new political and military chapter.

India has taken a responsible and non-controversial neutral stand, emphasizing dialogues as the only way for lasting peace. The world prays for an immediate de-escalation of the war in any broader format.

Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix