Ukraine Under Threat: Putin’s Unchanged Motives

The intentions behind Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine remain unchanged, and could potentially escalate to genocidal proportions. His sudden willingness to engage in discussions is primarily fueled by a desire to decrease international backing for Ukraine, while simultaneously disarming Ukrainians with illusory expectations of peace. A warning was raised in November 2022 that letting the Russian conflict with Ukraine stagnate would lead to defeat for Ukraine and a setback for global democracy.

The veiled war Russia is waging against Western nations showcases the utilization of various tactics such as political manipulation, information distortion, and disruption tactics. Sadly, the Kremlin’s lack of genuine interest in establishing peace or a ceasefire brings to light the unaltered aims of the war that Russia initiated. The relentless pursuit is the eradication of Ukraine as an independent entity and the dissolution of Ukrainian national identity.

Despite the risk of losing portions of Ukraine’s territory to such destructive aspirations, it’s unlikely that the war would cease. The discourse on negotiations from Putin incessantly aims to get the international community to withdraw their support for Ukraine and placate Ukrainian society with insincere promises. The encounters between Ukraine’s official delegation and Russia’s representatives have taken place three times in Istanbul this year.

Amid these developments, former US President Donald Trump has reached out to Putin multiple times and even accorded him a grand reception in Alaska. However, actions indisputably speak louder than words. Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukrainian cities, enhanced front-line strikes, and escalated military production echo their relentless aggression.

While many more are forced into the battlefield to face the onslaught, Russia continues to be backed by North Korea in terms of manpower and weapon supply. They persist in their attempts at interfering in European elections. However, the notion of negotiations remains a mere facade that should not deceive anyone.

Russia’s sustained aggression on Ukraine is fostered by support from China, North Korea, and Iran. Once China and Russia perceive that NATO has capitulated enough, the likelihood of other nations coming under attack is high. Putin’s end goal is to disrupt the post-Cold War international equilibrium—a process that is already underway.

The sole route to reestablishing stability and security is to ensure Russia’s resounding defeat in Ukraine. True and enduring peace can only be realized once Russia’s administration is made accountable, and the Russian citizens realize the repercussions of abiding by a dictator’s capricious commands to harm others.

For skeptics who argue that defeating Russia is an impossible task, they should remember that the Soviet Union, far stronger than Putin’s aspiring empire, faced defeat previously. Examples include Afghanistan in 1989 and the first Chechen War in 1996. In the more recent past, Russia was unable to offer support to its allies in Iran and Syria when they were under assault.

There was peace agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan when Russia ceased its ‘peacekeeping’ efforts. The strain on Russia’s military resources, owing to their deployment in Ukraine, was evident. Moreover, there are growing indications that the Russian war economy is on the verge of exhaustion.

With this situation, we are left with two main possibilities. The initial option entails Russia’s defeat, which would necessitate more severe sanctions imposed by the West and the provision for Ukraine’s armament needs. The second option foretells a defeat for democracy—materializing Stalin and Putin’s vision of subjugating Europe.

In the former scenario, Europeans may need to compromise a portion of their welfare. However, in the latter case, there’s a potential for a complete loss. It is a grim choice, indeed, but the reality of the situation calls for a firm and committed response.