Ukraine

Latest/Current Happenings

One of the great achievements of the latter half of the twentieth century was the peace that lasted throughout europe. The breakup of Yugoslavia into seperate countries brought conflict between different areas. However Europe as a whole is getting on for 70 years of peace. That was until Russia decided to invade Ukraine. All the conflicts that you hear about in the media are of places outside of europe. Whether that be in Arabia, Africa, Asia. Often there is a cry for help from these regions. Help us bring peace to our region they cry. Inevitably we do. But each conflict is always subtly different and these differences require time in order to fully understand

Europe up until 1945 had constantly been in conflict throughout the centuries different areas of Europe would gather armies and try to conquer the whole region. Whether that be Ceaser and the Romans over 2000 years ago, various European monarchs in the middle ages, Napoleon in the 1800's, Hitler in the 1900's. 

One of the issues with the conflict in Ukraine is of course the western's lack of knowledge of the eastern part of the Eurasian continent. This giant spralling rugged landmass that lies between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Called Eurasia. It has so many complex and diverse nations and culture. Where Russia and China very much dominates in power and influence  Russia being the biggest of all nations. India and China being the most populous. Europe and Asia are large separate regions of the same landmass. With many cultures and customs totally unknown to the other.

The other issue is that NATO and Europe are made up of a large and diverse group of democratic nations eager to help but each with its own unique set of challenges. It means that decision making and prioritising is debated endlessly. So the reaction times in dealing with threats are slower than autocratic regimes where one person decides. Often endless debates are held to work out the best course of action. Once a decision is made it will be a better decision safeguarding many more people and nations than an individual however it is slower. Debates will inevitably continue casting doubt on the decision or trying to find better solutions. However. All this takes time.

Autocratic regimes have to convince a large population and suppress rebellions in order to further their cause. Relying on those who are beneficiaries of the autocrats benevolence. Such benefactors have to balance that fine line between subservience to the autocrat and make preparations for when the autocrat's benevolence inevitably ends.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is not the first invasion by Russia over the last 50 years. Just the latest. Their army has grown large and capable. 

Thanks mainly to social media, we are slowly gaining knowledge of this area. Though sometimes the biases can be difficult to navigate. For example they might say Ukrainian's are devastating Russian positions. Which may be true but fail to mention that Russia continue to make small gains. They may try to play down the difficulties Ukraine is facing against a foe that far outnumbers them in personnel and armaments. Though Ukraine is slowly progressing in overcoming these difficulties. The more we learn the more we understand the problems. Hopefully learn how to help to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine and bring peace and security for the Ukrainian people in the region once again.  

Ukraine struggles on the battlefield appear to be easing slightly of late. They still need to defend against the swarm of Russian drones,  military personnel and equipment. They are doing an amazing job with the equipment and the weaponry they have. Mainly due to Russia being able to having more mobilised troops and drones on the front lines. Overwhelming Ukrainian positions at times. Ukraine are maximising what they can do. With the equipment and troop numbers that they can mobilise.

Russia continue with their freqiemt missile and drone barrages.  

Ukraine continue to ramp up its long range strike capabilities in attempt to counter Russian drone and missile strikes. Hitting infrastructure targets within Russia. On the frontline they are also stemming the Russian waves. Causing major casualties to the Russian forces. Russian's continue though to take Ukrainian land. At the cost of many Russian and Ukrainian lives.

Negotiations are ongoing to try and work out a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.