Monday, March 3, 2014

The Second Cold War ?


This is perhaps the most dangerous point in Europe's history since the end of the cold war. Direct confrontation between Russian and Ukrainian forces will draw in the United States, one way or another. While there is still time, it's extremely important to understand what each party involved is aiming for.
more here: The crisis in Crimea could lead the world into a second cold war

Summary

Russian troops have surrounded at least two military bases in Crimea and approached others seeking to gain access or get hold or their weapons. There were reported to be about 150 Russian troops and more than 20 military vehicles outside the Perevalnoe base, where there was a tense standoff. Ukrainian soldiers drove a tank up to the inside gates of the base in response and around 15 of them lined up against the gate.
Vladimir Putin has declared war on Ukraine, the acting prime minister in Kiev, Arseniy Yatseniuk, has said, as Ukraine called up its military reserves in readiness to fight. Ukraine also ordered its troops to resist responding to Russian “provocations” for fear of triggering a bloodbath.
The US secretary of state, John Kerry, warned that Russia could be expelled from the G8 and face economic sanctions, unless President Vladimir Putin halts his “incredible act of aggression”. He also mentioned visa bans, asset freezes and trade isolation as possible steps.
The rule of Ukraine’s new leaders will “end with a new revolution” amid more bloodshed, Russia’s Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev has predicted. In a Facebook post, he accused the new government in Kiev of “seizing power”, adding that while Viktor Yanukovich had practically no authority, he remained the legitimate head of state according the constitution.
Nato secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen accused Russia of threatening peace and security in Europe by its actions and of violating the UN charter. He called on Russia to “de-escalate”.
A senior US official has said that Russian forces “now have complete operational control of the Crimean Peninsula.” The same official also estimated that 6,000 Russian forces “with considerable materiel” were in the region and were flying in reinforcements.
Britain and France joined the US in pulling out of preparatory meetings for the G8 economic summit, scheduled to be held in June at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, site of the just-concluded 2014 Winter Olympics.
Ukraine’s parliament has called for international monitors to help ensure the safety of its nuclear power plants.
There were demonstrations both for and against Russian intervention in Ukraine in Moscow. There were at least 10,000 people at the pro demonstration, according to AP, although reporters said some were ordered to be there. The anti demonstration was much smaller but saw at least 50 people detained by Russian police.
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has accepted a proposal by the German chancellor, Angel Merkel, to set up a “fact-finding mission” that would pave the way for some form of political dialogue in the crisis, according to the German government. war live

5 comments:

ADRIAN said...

I hope and pray that a solution is found but fear that politicians are incapable of doing so.

Ola said...

I hope it will end up ONLY in cold war!

Simon said...

Thank you for the informative post. Let's hope people will step back and consider consequences. I agree with Ola, let's pray it stays cold only, should things continue to be unresolved. Wish we had stronger individuals in office at present.

Fram Actual said...

My belief is that until the time arrives when leadership in both Western Europe and Eastern Europe accept the fact that Vladimir Putin regards them only as tools to be used and that Barack Obama lives in a political correct castle atop Mount Delusional staring into a mirror which continues to tell him that he is the "prettiest" of all, the situations in Eastern Europe, in the Middle East, in North Africa and elsewhere are going to continue to deteriorate for the people who live there.

The bottom line, from my point of view, is that things will be getting worse before they get better. The words of George Santayana might be cliché, but they are true: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Another of his observations is even more frightening, but equally true: ".... only the dead have seen the end of war."

Stay safe, Daliana ....

Bill said...

An excellent overall view of the situation. It can't be good to be on the border. I'm new to your blog---and am really enjoying what I see.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...