On 24 February 2022, with tanks and armored vehicles, Russia rolled into Ukraine. With a large force of 200,000 soldiers President Vladimir Putin was roaring with confidence that they will win Ukraine-Kyiv soon. But the West's support and input since April had dragged the war on far beyond Putin's calculations. It is now more expensive than anticipated, while measures such as conscription have fueled discontent among Russians at home, adding to their woes
Umbilical cord cutting
On December 25, 2022, Ukrainians celebrated Christmas earlier than ever before, cutting their umbilical cord with Russian tradition, venting their resentment over the massive devastation in their homeland, the loss of dear ones and livelihoods, the ruins of their homes, and the extreme winter cold that left them without power and heating.
Images that capture massive destruction, pain, and agony send a chill down our spines and remind us of the brutal consequences of war. It takes so much to build, and just a whim to destroy.
It was a subdued Xmas celebration in Ukraine, but one that was marked by exceptional resilience, courage, and indefatigability amidst suffering. The waves of Russian missiles, rockets, and kamikaze drones struck many families, friends, neighbors, or benefactors, but despite their hearts seething with pain, they still lit candles to spite the enemy.
The heavens showered snow on the graves of Ukrainian soldiers who had died as if they shared their grief with them. A Christmas tree made from camouflage nets was donated to soldiers fighting on the frontline after the holiday season by volunteers in the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv. Christmas for Ukrainians was poignant and pensive.
In Russia, Christmas falls on December 25, but it is celebrated on January 7 since its Orthodox Church still follows the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. As far as the celebrations in Russia were concerned, the country did not appear to be at war, but this is just a superficial view.
As Putin had to order a partial mobilization of his forces, the so-called "special operations" have resulted in massive casualties for Moscow's forces.
The loss of Russian men and machines
Moscow had 850,000 active troops before the invasion, so the army was very strong. When war gets extended to a year, the costs are obvious, and even though Russians may live a normal life now — as there is no war action on Russian soil — the costs of the war will eventually bite them.
Approximately 175,000-200,000 casualties are estimated to have been sustained by the Russian regular forces and Wagner troops, according to UK intelligence officials.
As Russia's counter-offensive was massive, Ukraine was able to repel the attack using weapons supplied by several countries.
Despite the recruitment of 300,000 recruits and the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries, the Russian army suffered massive casualties. Now, as the West lines up fleets of Challenger, Leopard, and Abrams tanks, more deaths are likely to occur. During the mobilization call, Russian soldiers fled in all possible ways, so mercenaries would be increasingly relied upon, and Wagner's group would grow in stature and threaten the Russian army.
After being hit by Ukrainian missiles in April, the Russian Black Sea Fleet lost its flagship, the missile cruiser Moskva. Putin has also been procuring Kamikaze drones and missiles from Iran and Pyongyang.
The fall from grace, the dent in the image
Russia is facing the heat and loss of international news, as well as having lost its pre-eminent position in the community of nations. The image of the power hub of space has taken a severe blow. There are apprehensions that Russia may make new allies with China, North Korea, and Iran. They are facing restrictive economic sanctions and forging business alliances to circumvent punitive measures besides working together at the tactical and strategic levels. The G-7 countries are imposing sanctions on Chinese, Iranian, and North Korean firms for aiding Russia's military.
World knows what Putin intended by invading Ukraine, but for sure people of Russia would not like to see their country aligned with North Korea and Iran.
A former comedian flaunts a macho image against a leader
Volodymyr Zelensky, a former actor, and comedian seem to have been favored by providence during this war. As a result of the war, he has grandly entered the geopolitical arena, and he is making the right moves. The leadership he has demonstrated has won him acclaim and he has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. He was named Time Person of the Year for 2022.
Since the beginning of the war, he has worn army-green T-shirts and sweatshirts in public appearances to show solidarity with his troops fighting the Russians. Even while visiting abroad, he has worn the same clothes for the past 10 months.
It even drew comparisons with Winston Churchill's siren suit appearance at the White House during World War II.
While a minister was being scolded in a meeting captured live, Putin, known for his macho image, presented himself as a tough leader. As a result of the war, he has been unable to pursue his macho pursuits, as he has been seen riding a horse shirtless, firing darts with a crossbow at a grey whale from a motorboat, and putting himself on the floor in Sambo wrestling.
How will Russia and Putin benefit and lose?
It will cost around $349 billion to rebuild Ukraine after the destruction caused by the Russian invasion, according to a joint assessment by the World Bank, European Commission, and the Ukrainian government.
The Russian economy, on the other hand, will contract further due to the price cap on its crude oil and the EU’s embargo on oil and petroleum products. A gradual decline in public finances and a decrease in domestic manufacturing will make the effects of sanctions more apparent on the ground.
During the Munich Security Conference, nations pledged their support for Ukraine, expedited the supply of weapons, and imposed tougher sanctions on Moscow.
Bucha and Mariupol were mentioned by leaders as war crimes. Until the war ends, both Ukraine and Russia, as well as the world, will be at risk of further conflict escalation.
Comments
Post a Comment