Russia-Ukraine: International Relations decoded

An American writer William Cuthbert Faulkner once quoted, “History is not was, it is.” Humankind for sure is living a part of history, it could be possibly an imperative fragment of World War-3.The growing anxiety between Russia and Ukraine must worry the world as it could be the harbinger of the forthcoming bloodshed.

 

By the same token, it becomes a necessity to decipher if this war is a sudden upheaval or if it has some connections with history. Ukraine takes its name from a Slavic word that means 'borderland’. Situated in Europe, Ukraine is sandwiched between the Western world and its major foe Russia. The seeds of the current hostility were sown long back in 1991.Ukraine, along with 15 other countries, was part of The Soviet Union(USSR). In 1991, USSR broke down into several independent countries where Russia got the maximum land area.

 

Though Ukraine for the namesake was independent, it continued to draw its policies under Russia due to some separatist leaders. Till 2010 Russia seemed to dominate over the decisions taken by Ukraine. Alarmed with the scenario, Ukrainians revolted when the government denied trade opportunities that would accelerate Ukraine’s economy. The background of the war finishes here and the real restlessness begins when the new government formed was no longer subordinate to Russia for its decisions.

 

Furthermore, it is not the first time Russia attacked Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukraine for the very first time in 2014 and took over Crimea which had a consequence of Russia getting kicked out of G-7. Ukraine is a huge exporter of natural gas and base metals which are indeed conventional resources. Possible repercussions: If Russia wins the war, Russia would have control over all the resources of Ukraine. If Ukraine wins, Russia will lose its predominant position in the world making the USA the most powerful. Both outcomes are unpleasant for the world.

 

Indeed this war is not in favour of any country. United States’ continuous efforts through NATO to develop friendly relations with the Western world and Russia’s neighbours might have been a reason for Russia to wage a war. Nevertheless, at this juncture, this war is less of patriotic sentiments and more of chauvinism. The strife that began on 24th February 2022 continues to date and has transformed international relations to a great extent. Germany which was an important trading partnerof Russia, stepped to the forefront to help Ukraine by lending its Leopard-2 tank. The USA’s help of 2 billion dollars doesn’t go unnoticed too. It would be a good decision for the moment for India not to get into the war since India itself needs to get established in many fields. Moreover, the recent border dispute between India and China is one more significant reason for India to not step into this war as it is already dealing with home issues.

 

These international relations have a lot to narrate regarding the present and the future which would be the upcoming history. The situations might change anytime and the new history is a step away. Conclusively, history is not about only dates, it's about events that affects each one of us. 

 

Richa Singh

 

Class Xth 'A'