- Over the past few months, Russia has stationed a large number of troops at the border between itself and Ukraine. This has raised concerns about invasion. Events have escalated in the past 24 hours.
- (Muscle flexing for strategic coercion)
- Reports suggest a witness saw tanks and other military hardware moving through the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk.
- (Testing the waters and gradual escalation)
- Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has said that he plans to sign a decree recognising two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as an independent.
- (a move that would provide legitimacy for putting Russian boots in two regions of Ukraine).
- UNSC assembles. In light of Putin’s announcement, the United Nations Security Council convened rapidly at the request of the United States, Britain, and France. Member nations have appealed and pleaded with Russia and asked Putin to step back.
- (Multilateralism is still alive)
- Sanctions galore. During the UNSC meeting, multiple nations announced plans to sanction Russia, with Britain’s representative saying there would be “far-reaching economic consequences if Russia doesn’t withdraw.
- (Have sanctions deterred in the past?)
- Britain. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has already begun, so Britain will impose sanctions on Russia,” a senior British minister said on Tuesday.
- (Quick on the draw, US announcement on sanctions is still awaited)
Bottom Line
Humans can not stay in peace.
Multilateralism is still live.
Question
Will Russia invade Ukraine?
What will be China’s stand?
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