What are the consequences of Russia’s war with Ukraine? Find out
February 24, 2022 risks being imprinted on the model of history of the contemporary world. The unprovoked, unjustified and barbaric invasion of Ukraine by Russia is not just the manifestation of a huge security threat that has upset peace in Europe.
More structurally, it has broken through the entire security architecture patiently built on the continent over many decades, including international commitments agreed upon over the past 30 years.
The extent of the damage is immense and growing. Ukrainians (both military and civilian) are killed simply because they are Ukrainians. Entire cities – like Mariupol – are razed to the ground. Clear atrocities are committed that meet the war crimes criteria and are accompanied by genocidal conversations on Russian state television. Hundreds of thousands of people, including children, were forcibly deported to Russia.
Consequences of Russia’s War with Ukraine
The suffering of Ukraine represents a moral challenge for Europe and the world. Human rights and the UN Charter have been trampled on and our values have been derided. Indifference is not an option. It is basically a war against West too.
What are the consequences of Russia’s war with Ukraine? Find out
Moreover, by creating economic shocks in the energy markets and weaponising famine as a political instrument, Russia has further globalised the consequences of war with Ukraine.
Enhanced risk of using nuclear weapons
Russia’s recent missile strikes in Ukraine has enhanced the possibility and risks of using nuclear weapons. The main objective is above all to prevent Western allies from offering military support to Ukraine and to scare decision-makers. US has offered to support Ukraine militarily which has once again provoked Russia to devise it’s another move.
Russian aggressive move, a threat for neighbouring countries
Russia’s neighbors already have good reason to fear the Russian predator. They believe that if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine and by Ukraine, he could harbor aggression against other regions as well. The historic decision of Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership shows the seriousness of this threat. Small countries like Moldova and Georgia, but also official Moscow allies like Kazakhstan, may fear becoming Putin’s next target. War in Ukraine will have profound consequences on satellite states of former USSR.
Above all, Russia has began to appreciate its predatory role, using brute force to advance its imperialist goals. Even weakened, Russia remains capable of inflicting severe damage on others. Only strong deterrence and credible violence can stop it. Contrary to intuition, preparing for a possible war with Russia is the best approach to avoid it.
