Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia has made the atmosphere tenser by recognizing two separatist regions of Ukraine. Many Western countries, including America, are saying that Russia can attack Ukraine at any time. Australian PM Scott Morrison has said that Russia’s ‘full attack’ on Ukraine could begin within 24 hours. In such a situation, there is pressure on all the big countries of the world to choose aside.
Ukraine-Russia tensions deepened after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized Ukraine’s two separatist regions, Donetsk and Luhansk, as independent regions. Russia has deployed more than 1.5 lakh troops along the Ukrainian border, which Western countries say can attack Ukraine at any time. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that Russia’s attack on Ukraine could begin within 24 hours.
At the same time, Russia says that it has no plans to attack and its army is standing on the border of Ukraine to save the country from the spread of NATO. Meanwhile, this announcement of Putin has stirred up western countries including America. America and Western countries have also announced strict sanctions on Russia.
Now this debate has also intensified as to which country is on which side. Whom India will support, both the US and Russia are eyeing it, but India has so far maintained its neutrality on the issue.
What is the stand of major countries on the Ukraine issue?
India- India is close to both America and Russia. America wants India to support it but India’s strategic partnership is very much with Russia. India is dependent on Russia for defense equipment. Here, Russia’s support is necessary for India even in the midst of tension on the border with China. In such a situation, it will be very difficult for India to take the side of anyone. India has so far taken an impartial stand on the issue.
In the emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday on the situation in Ukraine, India took a balanced stand and said that all sides should exercise restraint in this matter.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti clarified India’s position, saying, “India wants Ukraine-Russia border tensions to be reduced immediately and the legitimate security interests of all countries Initiatives taken by both sides to de-escalate tensions in the recent past need to be reconsidered.
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has also said about the Ukraine-Russia issue that India wants it to be resolved through talks. Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden will lead to some sort of solution.
America- has been opposing the accumulation of Russian forces on the US-Ukraine border since its inception. He has always been warning that Russian forces could attack Ukraine at any time. The US has imposed tough sanctions on Russia after the Russian President recognized two separatist regions of Ukraine as independent territories.
Joe Biden has banned two Russian financial institutions, VEB and Russian Military Bank. Biden has announced that parts of the Russian economy are being removed from the international financial system. Along with this, America is also imposing sanctions on the rich people of Russia and their families.
At the same time, America is giving aid to Ukraine through weapons. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on Tuesday that the US has promised more weapons to Ukraine. However, the US has clarified that it will not send its forces against Russia in Ukraine.
EU – President of the European Council Charles Michel expressed solidarity with Ukraine, saying that the threat against Ukraine is a threat to the whole of Europe. The European Union has banned Russia’s access to Russian banks and to EU financial markets. At the same time, the European Union is preparing to target Russian lawmakers who agree with Russia on Ukraine. The EU could also cut Russia off from the global banking system.
Britain – Britain says that Russia’s attack on Ukraine has started and in view of this, sanctions on Russia will be tightened. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that this is a very dangerous sign and that Russia’s move will violate Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Britain has banned 6 Russian banks. The UK-based assets of three of Russia’s biggest billionaires have also been frozen and barred from entering the UK.
China– In recent times, the closeness between Russia and China has increased and China’s relations with America have reached a bad state. Some time ago Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi justified Russia’s security concerns and said it should be taken seriously and addressed.
Russia – does not want Ukraine to join NATO, but the US, Western countries and Ukraine itself also want Ukraine to become a member of NATO. Tension has increased over this matter. Citing this security concern of Russia, China has said that Russia’s concerns should be kept in mind. The Chinese side is looking at Russia, but so far China has not supported Russia’s recent move. China has also given a balanced statement like India. However, it is being said that China can support Russia at the United Nations or other forums.
French-Russian President Putin recognized two regions of Ukraine as independent states in an address to the nation on Monday. France has described Putin’s address as ‘madness’. France said that the Russian President broke the promise made to French President Emmanuel Macron and now France will impose tough sanctions against Russia.
France has also welcomed the sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia. Macron has consistently said that Russia will have to pay a heavy price for an attack on Ukraine.
Germany – Germany has closed Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Russia was going to deliver gas to Germany through this project. Germany has said that this decision has been taken regarding the recent move of Russia. Germany has been on the side of Ukraine from the beginning.
Belarus – Belarus has been a very close ally of Russia. At a time when Russia-Ukraine tensions are at their peak and war could start anytime, Belarus is conducting military exercises with Russia. The military exercise, which started on February 10, was scheduled to end on February 20, but now it has been extended again and the armies of both countries are conducting military exercises near the border of Ukraine.
Belarus said on Monday that Russian forces would give up their land if NATO withdrew. NATO countries Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania share borders with Belarus, where NATO has deployed troops.
Italy – On this issue, Italy says that it wants a peaceful solution to the problem. At the same time, Italy has said that it will stick to its commitments regarding NATO.
Croatia– Croatia has also taken Russia’s side on this issue. Croatia says Russia’s security concerns need to be considered. Some time ago Croatia’s President Joran Milanovic said that if the dispute with Russia escalates, then he will support Russia, not Ukraine, the most corrupt country in the world.
When there was an uproar in the country over his statement, Prime Minister Andrzej Plankovic had to refute it. He said that he apologizes to the people of Ukraine on behalf of the government. At the same time, he also recalled that when Croatia broke away from Yugoslavia, it was first recognized by Ukraine.
Japan – Japan has said that if Russia attacks Ukraine, it will support America. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has condemned Russia’s recent move, saying it violates international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Russia has recognized Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk as independent regions.
The properties of the wealthy people of these regions based in Japan have been frozen and their visas have also been canceled.
Middle-East Countries– If a war breaks out between Russia-Ukraine, it will have a profound effect on all the countries of the Middle East. Inflation will increase in these countries, due to which there is a possibility of increasing tension and violence in the countries. This can also lead to political instability.
NATO member Turkey has also been close to Russia. However, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Russia’s recent move unacceptable. He has said that all parties should abide by international law. Turkey has also criticized Western countries for not handling the crisis properly.
At the same time, countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates etc. have increased closeness with America, but they also have good relations with Russia. Therefore, it will be difficult for these countries to favor any one.
