The current situation of the Russia-Ukraine crisis

The last post focussed on the historical build-up to the existing Russia-Ukraine crisis. This post covers more on the current scenario.

With tanks, troops, and warheads rolling up on the crossroads of Ukraine and Russia, much information is missed on amidst the chaos. Here is a simple list of what we will focus on in this post:

1. N.A.T.O. expansion issues for Russia

2. Ukraine's E.U. plea

3. Financial sanctions/impact on Russia

4. Current military situation/Nuclear weaponry activations

N.A.T.O. expansion issues for Russia

N.A.T.O. (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) amalgamates largely liberal, capitalistic, and "progressive" countries. Ever since the Second World War and the Cold War - the world has essentially been grouped into "progressive" or "regressive". Due to political/media propaganda - you would find countries such as U.S.A., the U.K., France, etc. to be "progressive" and Russia, China, Pakistan, etc., on the "regressive" side of the spectrum.

Due to a constant state of political tension, these "progressive" and "regressive" states take numerous actions against one another. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to standoffs in Afghanistan to interventions in Syria to the Ukraine invasions, these episodes have persisted for half a century. We need to realise that these issues are consistently present, not normalising it or being inhuman here. However, what we are seeing is a reflection of many such standoffs between our "superpowers".

N.A.T.O.'s eyes are set on a geographically optimum Ukraine, placing military bases on it would result in excessive pressure on Russian governance. Therefore, as a safety net, Russian invasions and captures have focussed on locations that could be prospective N.A.T.O. military bases. However, without entirely blaming N.A.T.O. for Russian military actions, we still need to keep in mind the constant cat-mouse nature of the larger conflicting states, U.S. and Russia.

Henceforth, Russia's large motivation and justification is the prospect of excessive N.A.T.O. control in a neighbouring state.

Ukraine's E.U. plea

E.U. (European Union) is a geographically constrained organisation of some European countries. Some countries have not yet been officially recognised as members of the European Union due to varying reasons. Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia have already applied for E.U. memberships - yet - they have not gained membership yet.

Ukraine wishes to become part of the European Union to have support if the scenario worsens. However, Ukraine has always attempted to sustain a neutral status, constraining them from various economic integrative chances - the neutral status is an ideology which cannot be impulsively changed either. Nonetheless, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the E.U. to showcase their support in this dire situation.

However, the plea is not looking optimistic due to the unprecedented nature of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. There are too many spinning plates, essentially, due to which the E.U. community is divided on whether to take immediate action or wait for things to fold out. There are various international policies and economic laws which the E.U. had established - henceforth - bypassing/changing them to allow Ukraine to have a "fast-track" membership would have a politically unstable domino effect.

Nonetheless, Zelenskyy, has humbly urged the European powers to showcase their support.

Financial sanctions/impact on Russia

The global community is condemning Russian actions - however - due to the problems attached with military intervention they are limited to sanctions and economic restrictions. Nonetheless, the sanctions have been successful in setting up the Russian economy for a large recession.

Russian banks no longer have access to U.S. Dollars, they have been taken off of the SWIFT bank-transfer system, and China/Pakistan is reeling its support back.

Not having access to U.S. Dollars restricts the ability of Russia to sell its currency reserves to maintain the Rouble's value. This is plummeting the Rouble in terms of international currencies, which is enough toing down a nation for decades - however - there are more sanctions that are choking the Russian economy. By being removed from SWIFT, Russian locals cannot accept international payments in foreign currencies either, which is further restricting their ability to maintain their currency's value. Moreover, China/Pakistan - who have economically supported Russia in the past - have retracted their funding to Russia. Pakistan is no longer repaying its loans and China is reconsidering its $117.5 Billion oil treaty.

This marks a fall down a recession and inflationary economy - which in simple terms means that Russia's economy is about to go for a toss.

Current military situation/Nuclear weaponry activations

Military action has been persisting throughout the progression of this crisis. The current military situation can be understood through the map below:

Moreover, Vladimir Putin (Russian - President) has alerted his military officials to prepare for Nuclear action. However, the condition is only when there is a presidential order or communication with the president is cut/stopped/restrained. Hence, the Russian Armed Forces is out for blood and glory - and all other states do not wish to engage in military intervention.

Henceforth, the current condition revolves around multiple spinning plates. N.A.T.O. and Russian ideological conflicts remains to push for expansion in Ukraine. Ukraine is attempting to bring the E.U. in to gain military, economic, and political support - while the Russian economy is being choked. The military might and preparedness tips in Russia's favour - and so does long run sustenance - hence, we again can just hope for the best.

*Disclaimer*

All information has been synthesised, over-simplified, and dumbed-down. Many other factors, aspects, perspectives, and characteristics have not been mentioned for simplicity sakes. I have written all the material. There is no conscious attempt at supporting either of the countries - all information is written in a "as unbiased as possible" form. If I do offend, hurt, or disturb any individual - please know that it was never the intention. Please feel free to reach out to me for any pressing edits or modifications to make the piece easier to read/consume.