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Writer's pictureFurkan Evren Arslan

Through the Eyes of Youth; A Brief Assessment of Tension Between Russia and Ukraine

Updated: Jul 6, 2022


If we examine briefly the tension between Russia and Ukraine, which has been very busy on the International Agenda recently, we should start with Russia's annexation of Crimea. After the disintegration of the pro-Russian government, the new government's close relations with the West, and moreover, a possible NATO membership considered by the Ukrainian government gave Russia an impression of a threat. Russia's current attitude was described as "unexpected" by various parties. Russia desires to maintain her dominance over the Black Sea and her constant "security dilemma" with NATO gave clues that Russia feels insecure and in a moment she felt needed she could attack.



But was Ukraine such a potential risk and even a danger for Russia? Didn't Russia foresee a possible heavy response from almost the entire world because of such an invasion? Moreover, Putin, who has been very careful about protecting and maintaining his charisma, how did not hesitate about the possibility of screwing up all his efforts? It is not possible to give a clear answer to any of these questions.


What we do know is that Russia has the power to retaliate against Western sanctions, especially in terms of energy and food.

Although Putin makes military-nuclear threats, he is not in a position to ignore the impact of the economy in the new world order. Russia will not delay retaliating for the energy and food as I mentioned above, furthermore, I think this could have a destroying impact on the Western bloc. On the other hand, it is not a secret that there are anti-war demonstrations in Russia, but we can not ignore the number of people who are considering Ukraine as a part of Russia under the influence of increasing nationalism.


Accordingly, some possible scenarios can be predicted. In a scenario of prolonged war and the unrest that has occurred, Putin's political power could weaken within the country and even cause him to lose his seat. On the other hand, Putin, who gains strength from the nationalist mass that has increased with the effect of the war, can take the war to the next level and engage in more destructive activities and carry the activities to wider regions. Russia's military intervention is proof that her political influence within Ukraine is quite low. Instead of making efforts to increase this influence, Russia, which tries to protect her own country's interests with methods that are not appropriate for the times and even barbaric in my opinion, has failed in human rights and modern world diplomacy.


Additionally, the fact that the Ukrainian government, which trusts the West more than needed, stays away from communication on the issues that Russia describes as a "war threat" contributed to the formation of Russia's barbaric attitude.

Indeed, unable to get the support wanted from the west, Ukraine was almost left alone militarily in the war. At this point, I must say that I find it unfair to reproach NATO. Obviously, Ukraine is not a NATO territory. This escalating tension between the two countries should only be addressed from a NATO point of view, on strategic and humanitarian issues. However, it is a great risk that NATO's involvement in the event could turn into an irreversible 'World War' with the already existing 'security dilemma'. As has been seen recently, Russia has no hesitation in slaughtering civilians. Fighting with a state that ignores such international law and procedures will only contribute to harming the people who are the real victims of the war.


Photo by Yohan Marion on Unsplash


But is there no way to stop Russia? Although Ukraine has a glorious cause of defending, Russia also has reasons. At this point, the West's minimizing its communication with Russia and putting Russia in a difficult situation with very heavy sanctions. Although it is a deterrent effect, it also has an effect that causes the war to grow. The West's failure to perform mediation has been particularly devastating for the civilian population. In an age when human rights and diplomacy are so advanced(!), it is disappointing that the point of reconciliation and mediation is the opposite of what is expected. On the other hand, the damage suffered by the brave Ukrainian people in this war is obvious. The whole world, especially Russia, must compensate for this loss and give account.



We, as the Gen-Z, as the future of the planet Earth, want peace instead of war, reconciliation instead of conflict. We will also try to maintain these values for our future. Such a public reflection of intergovernmental political conflicts is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.


The highly racist and discriminatory statements in Western news sources such as "This is not the Middle East, people dying there are blonde and blue-eyed Europeans" are causing some questions about the West-based occupation and interventions in the past.

Following this, does the 'West' as the representative of human rights, freedom, and equality, do they remember the work on human rights only when its own interests are in danger? Or do these rights and freedoms apply only to their region and environment? Of course, we'll question them and get the answers we need.

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