Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mask is coming off. His official statements and reassurances that the Kremlin was committed to peace with its neighbour Ukraine were nothing short of a lie. A little over 1,000 Russian soldiers have reportedly joined pro-Moscow separatists fighting the Ukrainian army, which is being seriously challenged to put up defence. Satellite images show Russian military trucks carrying sophisticated equipment, moving through Ukraine, signalling an intention to escalate the crisis. And yet Putin continues to deny that Moscow is fermenting the problem.
A full-blown Russian invasion has now been forecast. It is clear that Putin’s actions carry more import than his words. He has set out to establish a grand plan of his own and no amount of diplomatic action and intervention can thwart his ambitions until the goal has been reached.
The next few days could see Russian actions speaking volumes. Putin has not thrown light on his end-game in Ukraine, but rather than wait to find out before it is too late the international community needs to carve out some concrete solutions and actions before more civilian lives are lost in this conflict.
Sanctions will only be a short-term deterrent for Moscow. Putin is aware that the European continent is stuttering economically. His country’s path to progress perhaps lies in exploring trade and business opportunities in Asia. In any event, his open defiance to threats from Europe and the West signifies that he is not taking them seriously. A small move like switching off the flow of gas into the continent during the winter months could determine who has the upper hand. Putin is forcing the rest of the world to rethink its relationship with Russia. The crisis will no doubt dominate discussions at the Nato summit this week in Newport, south Wales. Efforts must be made to bring the major protagonists back to the negotiating table. A sensible and long-lasting solution must be reached, compromises must be made and commitments must be honoured.
