The situation in Ukraine
has become a major concern for Europe , if not the rest
of the world. Russia ,
after over 20 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union
is flexing both its diplomatic and military muscle in a region which they view
as their sphere of influence. The last few months has shown the international
community and more specifically Europe and to some
extent the United States ,
that Russia has
reemerged from its post Cold War slumber and it means business.
President Putin must be under the
view that with Russia ’s
control of oil and gas supplies too many European countries that he has them
wrapped around his little finger, and he would be correct. Even with sanctions
against members of his regime, Putin has not backed down taking on Europe
and the US , and
currently seems to be winning. The European Union is divided on taking further,
more aggressive action because of oil and gas, and the only thing that is
preventing a full invasion by Russian forces is NATO. Although Ukraine
is not a member of the organisation, many surrounding states are, and NATO is
indicating, even without officially stating, that they are willing to
intervene, militarily if necessary. Since March this year NATO aircraft have been patrolling and monitoring close to the Ukraine Border, and member states have been conducting training exercises in the region, including 600 US paratroopers.
The current state of affairs in
Ukraine, are indicating, that Russia acknowledges that although Europe and the
US are looking weak over the situation in the region, that openly deploying
Russian troops into Ukraine will only
strengthen and encourage stronger action by the EU and NATO. President Putin is
playing a smart game of warfare, by supplying and encouraging pro-Russian
rebels, even sending troops without insignia on their uniforms to assist,
claiming, "It's all nonsense, there are no special units, special forces or instructors there,". The rest of the
worlds of course dismiss this claim, as the rebels are well armed and trained.
I do not understand why Russia
and more importantly Putin is staying on course with its actions in Ukraine .
Putin speaks of protecting Russian speaking Ukrainians, but would he be still
staying on course if Europe and the US
were taking a more aggressive approach? I would say no. Does Putin want an all
out civil war in Ukraine ?
Because as it stands it looks like becoming one, unless Russia
backs away or Europe and the US
take more active action against Russia .
