We, as fellow world citizens living in this vast society, are currently encountering the greatest catastrophic circumstances of 21st century to date.
On a peaceful Thursday, on Febuary 24th of 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine without declaring the war beforehand. However, considering the atmosphere between the two countries that has been created over the decade, it was not a surprise. We should feel the obligation to criticize and try to stop the disaster. But before we actually ponder some practical methods that can be of help to Ukraine, we must first scrutinize the reasons regarding Russia’s decision. Today, as the international community’s denunciations are zeroing on the leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin, Hongik Tidings would like to ruminate about this war – from the justifications that Russia are stating for invading Ukraine to how it will affect the globe.
- Causes of the war and Russia’s justification
To scrutinize this war, it is crucial to first look at Ukraine’s geological importance. Ukraine has always played a very important strategic role in wars in Europe, including the First and Second World Wars and more. Because it is located in between Russia and the Western European countries, Ukraine has served as a bridge between Western and Eastern Europe for a long time, making the region more important than anywhere else. Therefore, for Russia, if Ukraine joins NATO, it would make Russia feel as if NATO surrounded the country. In addition, the distance between Ukraine and Moscow, the capital of Russia, is around 750 km in a straight line, so if Ukraine attempted, it would be more than possible for it to attack the Russian capital. Therefore, it joining NATO would mean a direct military threat to the heart of Russia. However, the recent events were not the only reason for Russia’s invasion. We could say that the war between Russia and Ukraine originated from the Donbas War, which began in 2014. This war in Donbas was a war between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian government forces in Ukraine. Russia has incessantly continued to try to control the Donbas region, by more than just supporting the rebels. This tension has grown through these years. Therefore, the war between Ukraine and Russia can be regarded as an expected war.
2. Stances of countries around the world on the Russia-Ukraine war
USA: Joe Biden, the president of the United States of America, strongly criticized Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, by naming him as a “murderous dictator” and a “war criminal” on March 16th, 2022. Also, 10 days later, on March 26th, 2022, during a speech at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland, Biden said Putin “can not remain in power”. Not only has the United States introduced new anti-Russia sanctions, but also it ageed on sending NATO troops near the borders of Ukraine. However, Biden also made clear that the US won’t be participating in the war directly.
EU: While reprimanding Russia’s invasion, the EU is encouraging its member nations to strengthen the sanctions on Russia and to stop consuming Russian oil and natural gas. EU Commission president Urzula von der Laien said in the European Parliament, "If Putin was seeking to divide the European Union, to weaken NATO, and to break the international community, he has achieved exactly the opposite” and emphasized the restrictions that the EU was imposing. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukraine president, urged the EU to "prove that you are with us" on March 1, the day after signing the EU membership application.
China: On February 25th, China stated that “each country has the right to be respected of its sovereignty and territorial integrity”. However, contrary to this statement, it also said that Russia is “reasonably demanding its national security”. Moreover, the Asian country has never mentioned the word “invasion”, which shows its stance. Xi Jinping, the president of China, especially criticized NATO for its expansion throughout Eastern Europe, agreeing with Russia on this matter.
Korea: President Moon Jae In condemned Russia, saying, “The use of forces that cause innocent casualties can’t be justified”, and also emphasized that “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial preservation must be guaranteed”. Moon also expressed willingness to participate in economic sanctions against Russia as a “responsible member of the international community”.
3. The Major Timeline – Negotiations
2022.02.24: Putin executes military operations in Ukraine, beginning the war
2022.02.25: “No war” demonstrations occur simultaneously all around the world, including inside Russia.
2022.02.26: Elon Musk provides the Starlink system to Ukraine.
2022.02.28
- 1st negotiation between the two countries takes place.
- Russia readies its nuclear powers.
2022.03.03
- 2nd negotiation
- Both sides agree to open a passage for civilian evacuation, and to hold a ceasefire near it
2022.03.07: 3rd negotiation
2022.03.14
- 4th negotiation
- Both sides state that the negotiations are going in the right direction, which is to come to a peaceful agreement.
2022.03.29
- 5th negotiation
- Instead of adopting the status of a neutral country, Ukraine proposes to Russia to form a new security guarantee system, which is that if Ukraine's security is guaranteed, it will agree to adopt a neutral status.
2022.04.01
- 6th negotiation
- It takes place online rather than face-to-face.
2022.04.07: Russia says that it would not accept the draft agreement Ukraine proposed in the 5th negotiation. Instead, it reverses the provisions that were specified in the document and proposes a new draft agreement.
2022.04.10: Russian soldiers are accused of sexually harassing Ukrainian women.
As you can see in the photo, war must be, if possible, prevented, and if it has already broken out, stopped. For a political leader, war might seem like a perfect solution to a myriad of problems. Moreover, if the country one governs has a powerful military force, this choice might seem like a reasonable option. However, no matter how much authority one possesses over a country, whether its citizens are rich or poor, it does not mean that one has the right to take control of their lives. Life’s value can not, and should not be measured by another, and moreover, it should not be used for any purpose, especially something political. This catastrophic event that the whole globe is going through is unacceptable, and we, the Hongik Tidings staff, stands with peace.
Taehwi Lee xognl1124@naver.com
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