Mains 2021 Result declared - In or Out?
So Mains 2021 has begun. Essay Paper is here
1. https://blog.forumias.com/upsc-ias-mains-2021-essay-question-paper/
2. GS Paper 1 : https://blog.forumias.com/download-upsc-ias-mains-2021-gs-1-question-paper
3. GS Paper 2 : https://blog.forumias.com/download-upsc-ias-mains-2021-gs-2-question-paper
/
How was your paper? How did you approach the paper?
why is russia not worried about economic sanctions
I assume its Putin's ego now. He thought the entire operation can be done in 2-3 days( ie. replacing the current regime with a pro-Russian Government). He wouldn't have imagined that the entire West would come together so quickly either. However the War has stretched and it doesn't look like ending soon. His reputation has already took a severe hit and he can't turn back now. Besides how much would the sanctions personally impact him?
Russians would be hit hard obviously. The Central Bank might hold for sometime but the economy will fail without a doubt. The Citizens are protesting but all that may not have any short term impact.
Western nations shouldn't sanction Russia because this will affect the "Human Rights" of innocent Russian citizens who weren't actually involved. West would be committing great sin if it's sanctions affect day to day lives of russian citizens. And probably Putin understands that.
This is a valid argument. Large anti-war protests r taking place in Russia. Police has cracked down upon those protestors. They r already suffering due to dictatorship of putin. Sanctions will only increase their sufferings. On one hand west is claiming themselves as protector of human rights in Ukraine On the other hand they r committing human rights violation in russia.
So what should the West do? Kadi ninda?
Obviously kadi ninda Other option is to sanction russua and destroy lives and human rights of innocent russian citizens while rich and powerful people like Putin aren't one percent affected by them.
and let Putin continue this madness in Ukraine? Next in line would be Latvia Lithuania etc. Keep on doing kadi ninda? Unfortunately, the only other alternative to economic sanctions is all out war. The Russian people would suffer, but may be then, they will do something to oust this mad man.
1. reasons for Russia's engagements in Ukraine don't apply to Latvia or Lithuania
2. you may not know it/, be ignorant towards the fact that Latvia Lithuania are nato allies while Ukraine isn't but putin knows that necessary fact very well.
3. west has no locus standi here it's between these two nations. if nato is so holy should've given membership to Ukraine. use UN to criticize though, who's stoppin ya?
4. Russian people don't deserve to suffer for any reason whatsoever. the war began without their consent, they aren't perpetrators.
THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF CITIZENS BELONGING TO NON DEMOCRATIC REGIMES ARE EQUAL ABSOLUTELY TO THOSE BELONGING TO DEMOCRATIC REGIMES AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.
“The battle for Ukraine is a battle for Europe. If Putin is not stopped there, he will go further,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis warned last week in a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Looks like Lithuania doesn't think that way. In world history, AJP Taylor has assessed the actions of Hitler as a gamble. He states that more the West (mainly France and UK) tried to avoid confronting him, the more encouraged he became, and started his next invasion. The appeasement policy was one of the main reasons for World war 2. When another mad man, who even threatens nuclear annihilation, invades a democratic country, "we should not do anything but only condemn his actions" doesn't appear a wise thing to me.
"west has no locus standi here it's between these two nations": yeah, so let them fight it out right? Wow! Didn't know there are still supporters for the law of the jungle.
"Russian people don't deserve to suffer for any reason whatsoever": agreed, so do Ukrainians. Russian soldiers shouldn't die too. They're simply following orders and may even be brain washed to believe this mad man. The only solution is to stop war. If you've a solution other than kadi ninda (seriously? 🙏🏽), say it.
look pal your answer exposes your bias and grand ignorance on the issue. you didn't counter my logical arguments by logic but by some weird statements or weird statements of "rhetoricians"
BATTLE FOR UKRAINE IS NOT BATTLE FOR EUROPE. Lithuanian leader is just into rhetoric mode. it knows nato will defend it but sadly you don't.
well i don't support violence or war but an eye for an eye will make whole world blind. you write it in gs4 and essay but fail to apply it beyond. anyways you were asking for solution, here are they
1. Ukraine must not be allowed to become nato member and if it is, a SECURITY GUARANTEE to Russia with adequate and clear clauses in it be provided.
2. Ukraine should engage with russia instead of begging the west.
3. Ukraine must concede because continuing the war will only hurt human rights of Ukrainian citizens and russian soldiers more and more.
russia isn't attacking Ukraine for "PLEASURE". I'm against all war but Putin's side should also be heard, where is your tolerance?
would you support it if turkey helped directly to Pakistan in conflict with india in 1965 or 1971 on the some false pretexts like "something" in danger?
No sensitive person wants violence or would support it. But quoting some old man and trying to fabricate and link something with hitler is pure class stupidity.
Putin may not be doing a moral thing, I concede. But tell me one thing, what options did the west leave for him? Putin doesn't believe in "Jab aag lagehi tab kua khodenge"
American Nuclear long range cruise missiles in NATOfied Ukraine are not just a possibility but a very strong one.
So abandon rhetoric, embrace logic.
"My logical arguments" and "your ignorance and biases"! Nice way to counter. Make it personal right? Sorry, doesn't work with me. Read the comment again and you may understand it.
I thought it would be clear and rational. But sorry I'm not prepared for the rhetoric fight.
Anyways I'm glad India didn't uphold your view at the UN and that should clear a lot of dust about your understanding of the issue..
Jajantaram Mamantaram
why is russia not worried about economic sanctions
I assume its Putin's ego now. He thought the entire operation can be done in 2-3 days( ie. replacing the current regime with a pro-Russian Government). He wouldn't have imagined that the entire West would come together so quickly either. However the War has stretched and it doesn't look like ending soon. His reputation has already took a severe hit and he can't turn back now. Besides how much would the sanctions personally impact him?
Russians would be hit hard obviously. The Central Bank might hold for sometime but the economy will fail without a doubt. The Citizens are protesting but all that may not have any short term impact.
Western nations shouldn't sanction Russia because this will affect the "Human Rights" of innocent Russian citizens who weren't actually involved. West would be committing great sin if it's sanctions affect day to day lives of russian citizens. And probably Putin understands that.
This is a valid argument. Large anti-war protests r taking place in Russia. Police has cracked down upon those protestors. They r already suffering due to dictatorship of putin. Sanctions will only increase their sufferings. On one hand west is claiming themselves as protector of human rights in Ukraine On the other hand they r committing human rights violation in russia.
So what should the West do? Kadi ninda?
Obviously kadi ninda Other option is to sanction russua and destroy lives and human rights of innocent russian citizens while rich and powerful people like Putin aren't one percent affected by them.
and let Putin continue this madness in Ukraine? Next in line would be Latvia Lithuania etc. Keep on doing kadi ninda? Unfortunately, the only other alternative to economic sanctions is all out war. The Russian people would suffer, but may be then, they will do something to oust this mad man.
1. reasons for Russia's engagements in Ukraine don't apply to Latvia or Lithuania
2. you may not know it/, be ignorant towards the fact that Latvia Lithuania are nato allies while Ukraine isn't but putin knows that necessary fact very well.
3. west has no locus standi here it's between these two nations. if nato is so holy should've given membership to Ukraine. use UN to criticize though, who's stoppin ya?
4. Russian people don't deserve to suffer for any reason whatsoever. the war began without their consent, they aren't perpetrators.
THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF CITIZENS BELONGING TO NON DEMOCRATIC REGIMES ARE EQUAL ABSOLUTELY TO THOSE BELONGING TO DEMOCRATIC REGIMES AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.
“The battle for Ukraine is a battle for Europe. If Putin is not stopped there, he will go further,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis warned last week in a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Looks like Lithuania doesn't think that way. In world history, AJP Taylor has assessed the actions of Hitler as a gamble. He states that more the West (mainly France and UK) tried to avoid confronting him, the more encouraged he became, and started his next invasion. The appeasement policy was one of the main reasons for World war 2. When another mad man, who even threatens nuclear annihilation, invades a democratic country, "we should not do anything but only condemn his actions" doesn't appear a wise thing to me.
"west has no locus standi here it's between these two nations": yeah, so let them fight it out right? Wow! Didn't know there are still supporters for the law of the jungle.
"Russian people don't deserve to suffer for any reason whatsoever": agreed, so do Ukrainians. Russian soldiers shouldn't die too. They're simply following orders and may even be brain washed to believe this mad man. The only solution is to stop war. If you've a solution other than kadi ninda (seriously? 🙏🏽), say it.
look pal your answer exposes your bias and grand ignorance on the issue. you didn't counter my logical arguments by logic but by some weird statements or weird statements of "rhetoricians"
BATTLE FOR UKRAINE IS NOT BATTLE FOR EUROPE. Lithuanian leader is just into rhetoric mode. it knows nato will defend it but sadly you don't.
well i don't support violence or war but an eye for an eye will make whole world blind. you write it in gs4 and essay but fail to apply it beyond. anyways you were asking for solution, here are they
1. Ukraine must not be allowed to become nato member and if it is, a SECURITY GUARANTEE to Russia with adequate and clear clauses in it be provided.
2. Ukraine should engage with russia instead of begging the west.
3. Ukraine must concede because continuing the war will only hurt human rights of Ukrainian citizens and russian soldiers more and more.
russia isn't attacking Ukraine for "PLEASURE". I'm against all war but Putin's side should also be heard, where is your tolerance?
would you support it if turkey helped directly to Pakistan in conflict with india in 1965 or 1971 on the some false pretexts like "something" in danger?
No sensitive person wants violence or would support it. But quoting some old man and trying to fabricate and link something with hitler is pure class stupidity.
Putin may not be doing a moral thing, I concede. But tell me one thing, what options did the west leave for him? Putin doesn't believe in "Jab aag lagehi tab kua khodenge"
American Nuclear long range cruise missiles in NATOfied Ukraine are not just a possibility but a very strong one.
So abandon rhetoric, embrace logic.
"My logical arguments" and "your ignorance and biases"! Nice way to counter. Make it personal right? Sorry, doesn't work with me. Read the comment again and you may understand it.
I thought it would be clear and rational. But sorry I'm not prepared for the rhetoric fight.
Anyways I'm glad India didn't uphold your view at the UN and that should clear a lot of dust about your understanding of the issue..
India decided based on practical aspects. Anyways, nice talking to you. I'm also not very interested in repeating the same things over and over again.
I guess it is highly faulty to compare Hitler and Putin, Hitler belonged to a different era which was nearing its end- the era of imperialism and colonialism. His policy was essentially expansionist towards the east, he was softer(comparatively) towards France and UK and ultimately, the concept of total war was quite widely applied in initial years to the Eastern front, thats why we have records of attrocities in Poland, Soviet republics, eastern Europe and not in France.
Putin on the other hand is fighting this as a defensive war, Ukraine has been marred with various revolutions in the past 20 years. Essentially Ukraine is divided east and west along political lines, west Ukraine favours close contact( business and military) with the western countries while east U favours it's old ties with Russia and old Soviet nations.
2004- orange revolution, pro west yanukovich(pardon spellings here) won after reelection was ordered.
2010- new president yanukovich was elevated with pro Russian leanings
2014- euromaiden protests were organised, and democratically elected govt was outsted. Reason was yanukovich dint agree to sign economic agreement for close association with EU while stopping eco agreement already in place with Russia. (It is said that it was widely supported by the western Intel agencies- if we see wiki pages this is called revolution of dignity).
2014 Russo-Ukraine war essentially a response to this 'coup', leading to annexation of Crimea, as Russia feared losing access to the black sea if Ukraine entered EU and subsequently NATO.
Now the existence of NATO itself is questionable since cold war ended, in addition steady expansion of NATO eastwards has been seen to be a threat to Russia.
The present war is in the background that Ukraine has been seeking membership of EU and NATO, though it hasn't been granted. Now if NATO gains access to Ukraine where does it leave Russia? It will have missiles pointing at Moscow which could reach it within 5-7 mins. Does that sound like Russia should allow that to happen?? We(Indians) are concerned about Chinese string of pearls for precisely this reason - to have an enemy up so close and at multiple points.
There is a precedent like this in history too, 1962 -cuban missile crisis. Where Soviets placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, in response to NATO nuclear missiles in Italy and Turkey. By logic if USA had an agreement with turkey and Italy to place missiles which were sovereign nations then so did Soviet union and Cuba, hence no nation should have problen. But USA precipitated nuclear crisis to prevent nuclear weapons within 90miles of it's coast. The fact is no great powers like to have interference within its sphere of influence. And in Europe, which has primarily based it's inter-country relations on the concept of Balance of power since the French revolution, loss of Ukraine's neutrality will lead to dangerous weakening of Russia.
I don't think Russia is wrong in its security concerns, i don't think war was not an option either. It is a calculated risk, just like Hitler had thought of quick victory in 1941, his famous words were " we just need to knock the door and the whole communist structure would come stumbling down", Putin is hoping for a quick victory and change of Ukraine govt and some security aggreements. Let's see how it plays out.
While we may profess sovereignty, democracy and peaceful negotiations , the game is far bigger here than that.
We Indians should rather protect our interests which are at the moment with Russia and quite proudly advocate "kadi ninda" than go for grandstanding and lose a valuable ally.
.
Yes. It will definitely have wide ramifications. There is no way Russia is losing this one. If push comes to shove they will turn Kiev into what they did to Grozny in the 2nd Chechen war. They basically razed the whole city to a fine dust. The unipolarity which USA currently enjoys at the world level will be severely dented. Iran and Syria will get a big boost in Middle East, especially Syria. Iran has already gained an upper hand wrt Saudis if you look at the situation in Yemen where Houthis are better placed.A lot rides on the response of west to Putin. If west fails to resist him it will have a domino effect across the region. Already Talibans victory has given some extremists hope of replicating similar thing elsewhere. And if Ukraine crisis also follows same trajectory, then i wint be surprised if the alliances that USA has built in middle East , in western Europe and Asia collapsing. Iran will get an upper hand in negotiations and may even go nuclear which in turn will make Saudi going for same. Already MBS has threatened to go nuclear if Iran does. Germany may rise again and become a military power and a security dilemma will ensue with other European powers also following militarisation , because who knows if some Neo Nazi comes to power in Germany. And then there's china , already watching with glee all that's unfolding in Ukraine. Putin calls his partnership with Xi as a no limit partnership of allied relationship. In short whole global order underpinned by US led institutions and the relative stability that we have come to take for granted may go for a toss.
All of this is hypothetical. Other opinions welcome
Russia's international standing as a net security provider will improve and countries outside NATO which depended on USA for security might be tempted to change camps.
The biggest ramification will be on the economic front though. Frankly speaking the amount of control the West has over the finances and economy of the world is a little scary. It will bring the non western countries closer. There already was a dedollarization agreement between China and Russia, I think more countries will start to move away from doing transactions in terms of US dollars. Security interests trump economic interests any day, so in this regard many countries may start looking at highly integrated economies as security risks and move inwards.
Another observation is that the West has really won the Social media war and I am sure many countries are taking note of that. Most of the Social media companies have their servers located in USA and they have all rallied together in support of Ukraine. Integrated Internet is one of the reason Russia has seen huge number of protests in favor of West and China with its The Great Firewall has remained largely unscathed. So delinking of Internet may occur in many places most probably starting with Russia.
All of this is just conjecture over the path the world takes from here. Criticisms are welcome.
@RaGa kitab bata do bhai wahi padh lenge _/\_
Kitab mat padho Bhai YouTube pe history sunte raho aur wiki padh lo
But don't you think its a bit naïve to believe Putin's version of the story? - the same one which says Russia is facing an existential threat. If that is the case, then why doesn't he enjoy domestic support for this invasion? Its his mad adventure to cling to power, coupled by the old Soviet nostalgia which can't stand former states flourishing once out of its sphere of influence.
And even if there are security concerns, surely an invasion and indiscriminate bombing of cities, including civilian buildings, is not the answer. Russia is the aggressor, not the victim.
As for Ukraine, its a sovereign country, with every right to decide which alliance to join, especially for self defence. If Putin's agenda was to stop NATO expansion in Europe, then his moves have been laughable. All this while, with what's going on Ukraine, he's displaying exactly why European countries need NATO. This is manifest in how Finland is in the process to expedite its joining of NATO or how Switzerland and some other states have abandoned their age-old policy of neutrality to help Ukraine with arms, and support sanctions against Russia.
It will be difficult for Ukraine to show its sovereignty given its proximity with Russia. By same argument, India should also not be concerned with Chinese investments/alliance in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Nepal. Putin is trying to show the west the cost of this wave of expansion. Same goes for Finland, Sweden requests. There will be consequences from Russian side.
I found this thread on twitterhttps://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1498491107902062592It shows how from Kissinger to Mearsheimer have opposed the expansion of NATO and why Russia will not sit back.
Yes, The domestic support angle is tricky. There have been protests. But we have seen how leaders use international affairs to get domestic support. Moreover, majority of Russian elites and oligarchs are still with Putin.
Regarding indiscriminate bombing of cities, I dont think Russians have resorted to it till yesterday. Kharkiv is just 40 Km from Russian border. If they had been using raw force, it would have been captured in 2~3 days itself. They are escalating the fire steadily though after sensing the response of Ukrainians.
Having said that, Ukraine has given weapons to civilians. This will reduce the difference between combatants and civilians. In this way, Russians will justify attacks on civilian infra.
I do hope that sense prevails and diplomacy becomes the solution. Hopefully, peace prevails!
The action of Ukraine's president giving weapons to Civilians is idiotic. First of all giving weapons to civilians will make them enemy combatants and pitch them against experienced soldiers which will not end well. Second, once the dust of war settles Ukraine will be looking at a country with its civilians armed to the teeth. This has actually played right into the demands of far rights in Ukraine like the neo nazi Azov whose long standing demands have been freely giving weapons to civilians.But don't you think its a bit naïve to believe Putin's version of the story? - the same one which says Russia is facing an existential threat. If that is the case, then why doesn't he enjoy domestic support for this invasion? Its his mad adventure to cling to power, coupled by the old Soviet nostalgia which can't stand former states flourishing once out of its sphere of influence.
And even if there are security concerns, surely an invasion and indiscriminate bombing of cities, including civilian buildings, is not the answer. Russia is the aggressor, not the victim.
As for Ukraine, its a sovereign country, with every right to decide which alliance to join, especially for self defence. If Putin's agenda was to stop NATO expansion in Europe, then his moves have been laughable. All this while, with what's going on Ukraine, he's displaying exactly why European countries need NATO. This is manifest in how Finland is in the process to expedite its joining of NATO or how Switzerland and some other states have abandoned their age-old policy of neutrality to help Ukraine with arms, and support sanctions against Russia.
It will be difficult for Ukraine to show its sovereignty given its proximity with Russia. By same argument, India should also not be concerned with Chinese investments/alliance in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Nepal. Putin is trying to show the west the cost of this wave of expansion. Same goes for Finland, Sweden requests. There will be consequences from Russian side.
I found this thread on twitterhttps://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1498491107902062592It shows how from Kissinger to Mearsheimer have opposed the expansion of NATO and why Russia will not sit back.
Yes, The domestic support angle is tricky. There have been protests. But we have seen how leaders use international affairs to get domestic support. Moreover, majority of Russian elites and oligarchs are still with Putin.
Regarding indiscriminate bombing of cities, I dont think Russians have resorted to it till yesterday. Kharkiv is just 40 Km from Russian border. If they had been using raw force, it would have been captured in 2~3 days itself. They are escalating the fire steadily though after sensing the response of Ukrainians.
Having said that, Ukraine has given weapons to civilians. This will reduce the difference between combatants and civilians. In this way, Russians will justify attacks on civilian infra. I do hope that sense prevails and diplomacy becomes the solution. Hopefully, peace prevails!
Yes, Exactly. Also, He has played into American hands. Another US motive is to indulge Russia in another Afghanistan 1980 in Ukraine with guerrila warfare. The arms lobby in US wants to keep supplying weapons to insurgents (in future maybe), keep getting money at the cost of Russian Ukrainian lives.The action of Ukraine's president giving weapons to Civilians is idiotic. First of all giving weapons to civilians will make them enemy combatants and pitch them against experienced soldiers which will not end well. Second, once the dust of war settles Ukraine will be looking at a country with its civilians armed to the teeth. This has actually played right into the demands of far rights in Ukraine like the neo nazi Azov whose long standing demands have been freely giving weapons to civilians.But don't you think its a bit naïve to believe Putin's version of the story? - the same one which says Russia is facing an existential threat. If that is the case, then why doesn't he enjoy domestic support for this invasion? Its his mad adventure to cling to power, coupled by the old Soviet nostalgia which can't stand former states flourishing once out of its sphere of influence.
And even if there are security concerns, surely an invasion and indiscriminate bombing of cities, including civilian buildings, is not the answer. Russia is the aggressor, not the victim.
As for Ukraine, its a sovereign country, with every right to decide which alliance to join, especially for self defence. If Putin's agenda was to stop NATO expansion in Europe, then his moves have been laughable. All this while, with what's going on Ukraine, he's displaying exactly why European countries need NATO. This is manifest in how Finland is in the process to expedite its joining of NATO or how Switzerland and some other states have abandoned their age-old policy of neutrality to help Ukraine with arms, and support sanctions against Russia.
It will be difficult for Ukraine to show its sovereignty given its proximity with Russia. By same argument, India should also not be concerned with Chinese investments/alliance in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Nepal. Putin is trying to show the west the cost of this wave of expansion. Same goes for Finland, Sweden requests. There will be consequences from Russian side.
I found this thread on twitterhttps://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1498491107902062592It shows how from Kissinger to Mearsheimer have opposed the expansion of NATO and why Russia will not sit back.
Yes, The domestic support angle is tricky. There have been protests. But we have seen how leaders use international affairs to get domestic support. Moreover, majority of Russian elites and oligarchs are still with Putin.
Regarding indiscriminate bombing of cities, I dont think Russians have resorted to it till yesterday. Kharkiv is just 40 Km from Russian border. If they had been using raw force, it would have been captured in 2~3 days itself. They are escalating the fire steadily though after sensing the response of Ukrainians.
Having said that, Ukraine has given weapons to civilians. This will reduce the difference between combatants and civilians. In this way, Russians will justify attacks on civilian infra. I do hope that sense prevails and diplomacy becomes the solution. Hopefully, peace prevails!
AureliusM,The problem is, Russia has always been invaded from its western border and there are no natural barriers preventing the same. The whole of Ukraine and countries to its north, Belarus, Poland, Lithuania etc are plains which has historically offered little resistance to the invading armies. Whether it was Napoleon or Hitler, they all took the same route. So once the USSR came out of World War 2, they made it a point to keep those countries within their sphere of influence as a security buffer. So when NATO started placing their missiles in those countries in the Baltics, Russia got uneasy. Whether or not NATO would actually invade is immaterial. It's the constant looming threat that counts. However Baltic nations in NATO were still acceptable because the land border is not as large as Ukraine and Russia has a small enclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic sea shore.The solution is NATO giving assurance that they will not admit Ukraine. Ukraine is kind of a buffer state between Europe and Russia. Its geography and history does not allow it to take any side. It at all cost has to find a coexistence with Moscow.
Putin is only asking for assurance that NATO will not be expanded. They have repeatedly violated this assurance and expanded NATO in 5 waves apparently. Putin has no option left but to retaliate. Otherwise, it will be an existential threat to Russia. Economic sanctions/military involvement/Kadi Ninda etc dont matter in front of existential crisis.
But don't you think its a bit naïve to believe Putin's version of the story? - the same one which says Russia is facing an existential threat. If that is the case, then why doesn't he enjoy domestic support for this invasion? Its his mad adventure to cling to power, coupled by the old Soviet nostalgia which can't stand former states flourishing once out of its sphere of influence.
And even if there are security concerns, surely an invasion and indiscriminate bombing of cities, including civilian buildings, is not the answer. Russia is the aggressor, not the victim.
As for Ukraine, its a sovereign country, with every right to decide which alliance to join, especially for self defence. If Putin's agenda was to stop NATO expansion in Europe, then his moves have been laughable. All this while, with what's going on Ukraine, he's displaying exactly why European countries need NATO. This is manifest in how Finland is in the process to expedite its joining of NATO or how Switzerland and some other states have abandoned their age-old policy of neutrality to help Ukraine with arms, and support sanctions against Russia.
This geography partly explains why Putin did what he did.
I am not sure about USA engaging Russia in another Afghanistan though. Its already engaged in Syria where Russia is supporting to Assad and rebels are supported by USA. Also, Russia wanted to pull off what USSR pulled off in Afghanistan where they stormed Afghan palace and brought about regime change with a surgical precision, but here they failed. However it is doubtful if Russia will fight a protracted war though in Ukraine. Most likely they will just take over Kiev, remove Zelensky and pull back.Yes, Exactly. Also, He has played into American hands. Another US motive is to indulge Russia in another Afghanistan 1980 in Ukraine with guerrila warfare. The arms lobby in US wants to keep supplying weapons to insurgents (in future maybe), keep getting money at the cost of Russian Ukrainian lives.The action of Ukraine's president giving weapons to Civilians is idiotic. First of all giving weapons to civilians will make them enemy combatants and pitch them against experienced soldiers which will not end well. Second, once the dust of war settles Ukraine will be looking at a country with its civilians armed to the teeth. This has actually played right into the demands of far rights in Ukraine like the neo nazi Azov whose long standing demands have been freely giving weapons to civilians.But don't you think its a bit naïve to believe Putin's version of the story? - the same one which says Russia is facing an existential threat. If that is the case, then why doesn't he enjoy domestic support for this invasion? Its his mad adventure to cling to power, coupled by the old Soviet nostalgia which can't stand former states flourishing once out of its sphere of influence.
And even if there are security concerns, surely an invasion and indiscriminate bombing of cities, including civilian buildings, is not the answer. Russia is the aggressor, not the victim.
As for Ukraine, its a sovereign country, with every right to decide which alliance to join, especially for self defence. If Putin's agenda was to stop NATO expansion in Europe, then his moves have been laughable. All this while, with what's going on Ukraine, he's displaying exactly why European countries need NATO. This is manifest in how Finland is in the process to expedite its joining of NATO or how Switzerland and some other states have abandoned their age-old policy of neutrality to help Ukraine with arms, and support sanctions against Russia.
It will be difficult for Ukraine to show its sovereignty given its proximity with Russia. By same argument, India should also not be concerned with Chinese investments/alliance in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Nepal. Putin is trying to show the west the cost of this wave of expansion. Same goes for Finland, Sweden requests. There will be consequences from Russian side.
I found this thread on twitterhttps://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1498491107902062592It shows how from Kissinger to Mearsheimer have opposed the expansion of NATO and why Russia will not sit back.
Yes, The domestic support angle is tricky. There have been protests. But we have seen how leaders use international affairs to get domestic support. Moreover, majority of Russian elites and oligarchs are still with Putin.
Regarding indiscriminate bombing of cities, I dont think Russians have resorted to it till yesterday. Kharkiv is just 40 Km from Russian border. If they had been using raw force, it would have been captured in 2~3 days itself. They are escalating the fire steadily though after sensing the response of Ukrainians.
Having said that, Ukraine has given weapons to civilians. This will reduce the difference between combatants and civilians. In this way, Russians will justify attacks on civilian infra. I do hope that sense prevails and diplomacy becomes the solution. Hopefully, peace prevails!
Also guerilla warfare is probably difficult to pull off in a flat topography where there are no hills or forests to hide into.
brownianMotion,SergioRamos
Homo Neanderthalensis ,SergioRamos
plmokn25688524,- "I am scoring ### marks and I can perform very good".This line of thinking is very okay. Every candidate thinks of getting Rank-1. Every. Even the topper thinks of getting Rank-1. Once there was a candidate who was sure of getting U-10 in Upsc. He started his preparation with that slogan only. He landed with Rank-15. You have every right to expect the best.
- "Russia Vs USA Vs Ukraine Vs Un
Write your comment…
