So soon fourth Week has begun with hardly any sign of reduction in unwanted shelling, bombing, killing and surrounding the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiev, Kherson, Irpin, Mariupol, Liev, Zaporizhzhia etc., But NOT capturing per se. A former champion boxer of Ukraine has called it not only destroying the structures but destroying the whole country as such.
2) With drastically reduced or no food ,water, electricity and gas in urban areas ( Can’t think about sanitation),British P.M.has now woken up to say “We should not have tolerated Russia’s act of annexation of Crimea in 2014.” AND after feeling so, he is visiting some Middle East countries in the same way as Israeli P.M. has done or Chinese President may respond to the request of Saudi Arabia for a visit, ostensibly sensing her present distance from USA.
Will America’s loss be a gain for China at a time when she, at last, is opening its card vis a vis Russia ?
3) Present status quo in Ukraine looks to continue for the time being due to strong determination of Ukraineans so far, useful Guerilla warfare supported by latest weapons(17,000 anti tank devices)from Sweden,Germany, Spain etc. But it is the U.S. made Javelin missile launcher armed from shoulder, with least risk of a counter attack ,this ‘ fire and forget’ device has become THE weapon of choice.
HOW LONG THE TACTICS TO INFLICT MASS CASUALTY, RATHER THAN WINNING A TERRITORY CONTINUE ?
Humanity Factor ?
4) In the name of humanity, While UNO and its main organs are keeping quiet after initial futile attempts, the International Court of Justice,headed by an American, has asked Russia to cease immediately its ‘Special Military Operations’.
The Council of Europe, continent’s foremost human rights body too has expelled Russia but 47 member U.N.Human Rights Commission is maintaining a strange silence so far. Incidently, both Russia and Ukraine happen to be its members in addition to ‘active’ India.All are supposed to abide by the Declaration of Human Rights ,signed in Paris on 10th of December,1948,also observed as Human Rights Day.
Diplomacy Through Parliament
5) Under the present state of insecurity, it would have been Herculean to gather the Law Makers in Ukraine Parliament building. They succeeded ,sang national anthem and re strengthened their Resolve. President Zelensky with his growing beard and T shirt also went to address U.S. parliament virtually ,having done so earlier before the Canadian and British Parliaments. Receiving a standing ovation, he reiterated support for No Fly Zone over Ukraine and much tougher sanctions against Russia, rather new packages every week. U.S. President obliged by acceding to $ One Billion aid , in addition to explosive Drones.Also addressing President Biden directly,he was declared “Leader of World & Leader of Peace”.
Zelensky’s political comedy titled ‘ Servants of People’ of 2015 -19 is also back on Netflix in USA. It starred him as a teacher who becomes President of Ukraine after a video of him, complaining of corruption,went viral. Has’nt a dream turned into a Reality?
Gesture of Neighbours
6) Prime Ministers of Poland,Czech Republic and Slovenia, all members of E.U. and NATO paying a visit to Kyiv to express their solidarity is also a confidence boosting measure. Also a matter of caution and interest will be invitation given to Chinese President to visit Riyadh after latter showing his fresh interest in the area of conflict. America ‘s loss may soon be China’s gain,latter having already got a foothold in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka earlier.
India’s Stand
7) Having fulfilled her commitment of evacuation of 22 thousand nationals,India, while maintaining a neutral stand and with a view to minimize the effect of war on economy, has gone ahead to order 3 Million Barrels of Russian crude oil, by negotiating a ‘deep’ discount of $ 20 to 25 a Barrel. On wheat, fertilizer and Sunflower Oil front ,however, impact of war is being felt ,as Russia and Ukraine both are leading exporters. Even when plight of citizens is pathetic in all the areas under seize, in terms of supply of food, water, electricity and gas, European countries continue to get supplies of Russian gas.
Casualties So Far
8) According to a report, upto the period 14th March,1834 Russian civilian deaths had occurred while in case of Ukraine, it was 691. Calculation of exact number of soldiers who have succumbed on both the sides, may not be easy, but President Putin’s grim face and designs appear to show now some signs of compromise.
9) Pain and misery of defiant Ukraineans must come to an end, together with reckless bombing of hospitals and residential areas. Also good sense must prevail in regard to further degradation of Environment and ensuring nuclear type of security. Even if Martial law has been extended by a month and more anti tank devices may arrive together with more explosive Drones , life of average Ukrainean may continue to be grim and sad for the sake of someone else’s ego.
He or She has to face the battle,Not the Instigators or the sympathizers. WHO ELSE ?
About the Author : Dr. Aaloc Srivastav, Ex CS , Sikkim is a Senior Retd Bureaucrat and passionate about writing on his favourite subjects . The views shared by the author are his personal.
