The significant news is Russia’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire at 6 GMT to create a humanitarian corridor and enable civilians’ movement, especially Mariupol and Volnovakha. If this was a welcome sign, the European nations met and decided to not accede to Ukraine president Zelenskyy’s request to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine. The denial was a mature decision, which otherwise would have brought the NATO countries in direct conflict with Russia, which they have categorically decided against. The NATO chief has stated that theirs is a defence alliance and is not seeking war with Russia.
While Russia blames Ukraine for creating a human shield, Russia is relentlessly bombing the residential areas. The latter action might have arisen from Ukrainians, men, women, and youths joining the battle to defend their country. Meanwhile, long miles of Russian tanks and cannons and ships surround key targets, ports, cities, and nuclear plants. I wrote about a week ago that Russia would be targeting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant after capturing Chernobyl, which happened yesterday. Russia controls more than a third of the power supply of Ukraine now. Russia’s target would now be to capture Kyiv and the ports, as Ukraine’s air defence has already been decimated.
The bombing of cities would resume after the departure of civilians; those who stayed back would be deemed to be fighters. Zelenskyy had grossly overestimated the enthusiasm of European nations to join his country and tackle Russia. NATO countries have so far provided only a few anti-tank missiles and small arms. One thing is clear, despite the gravest provocation and an opportunity to take on Russia, all countries are displaying a unique tolerance and patience in ensuring avoidance of another World War, which the world could ill-afford.
The modus of shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has made Putin’s determination clear and shocked the West. He has snapped Donbas regions from Ukraine and will not let Ukraine become a NATO member. It is time for NATO introspect to think the unthinkable and do the undoable, agree for a neutral Ukraine, without lethal NATO arms and missiles facing Kremlin. Interestingly, it was the U.S. that egged Ukraine into this war by fiery statements and catchy slogans, which Zelenskyy chose to believe, exposing gullibility and inexperience in governance.
Russia, Ukraine war is now a fait accompli. It has adversely impacted the world’s economy, struggling to revive after two long years of Covid. The world must not be dragged into a more protracted war involving many nations and pushed to poverty or a post-war hyper-inflation.
I guess with the capture of Kyiv, Putin’s anger at the West may ebb. I might disappoint a few who may be happy that I abuse Putin. I could do that to a few more leaders, masquerading as champions of democracy and pushing arms!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
In Pic: The U.S. Nuclear missiles in Europe!
