On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated what he referred to as a "special military operation" in Ukraine.
Share
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated what he referred to as a "special military operation" in Ukraine. What many, including Putin, expected would conclude in a matter of days has instead turned into a grinding war of attrition, after the unprovoked invasion was met with fierce resistance from Kyiv. The war has now entered its fifth year with no resolution in sight despite attempts made by international organisations like the United Nations to end the conflict. The devastation caused by the long-drawn-out war is staggering, with hundreds of thousands of people from both the warring countries killed and millions more displaced from their homes as cities in the border areas have been reduced to rubble and public infrastructure destroyed by Russia’s relentless bombardment over the past four years. It is appalling that a nuclear power is allowed to attack a weaker nation with impunity, setting a dangerous precedent for the future. Initially, several countries condemned Putin's brutal attack, while others chose to remain neutral, which is tantamount to supporting aggression in times of life and death. It reflected the international community's lack of collective will to uphold justice and prevent aggression against a sovereign nation. The war is less frequently discussed today, and the world appears to have normalised what is abnormal. This indifferent attitude only serves to embolden aggressors, encouraging them to intensify their aggression. And this is currently being played out in various parts of the world, including Myanmar, Ukraine, and Gaza, which has also weakened the international justice system and the concept of security.
It may be noted that the US has significantly scaled down its support for Ukraine after Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, after declaring that he would end the war within 24 hours of coming back to power. He employed bullying tactics to force Kyiv to cede its territory, including the unconquered areas in the Donbas region, to Russia as part of a peace deal. However, his move to serve Putin’s interest at the cost of Ukraine’s sovereignty has been thwarted, thanks to the much-needed support from the European Union (EU) for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is facing tremendous pressure to give in to Trump’s demands. The EU has significantly increased military aid to Kyiv, filling the vacuum created by Washington DC. It must continue to support Ukraine until a logical conclusion is arrived at. Compromising territory as part of a settlement is nothing less than surrender. The world cannot afford to allow powerful nations to attack sovereign countries to satisfy their whims.