In what might be called a furious “escalatory spiral” Putin is turning Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities into piles of smoking debris. More than 900 missiles have been fired by the Russians since the start of hostilities.
Destruction of hospitals, schools, apartment buildings: this is not the first time that the monster Putin has attacked civilian targets to achieve his political and military objectives. Its strategy of annihilation was effective in Grozny, Chechnya, and Aleppo, Syria.
President Zelensky repeated yesterday in his speech via videoconference to the House of Commons his demand for a no-fly zone over Ukraine. NATO has repeatedly refused his request, which implies a high risk of direct confrontation between planes from the Atlantic Pact and Russia.
NATO countries, formerly of the Warsaw Pact, might, however, supply Ukraine with their Soviet-era S-300 mobile anti-aircraft missiles. The Ukrainian armed forces, which have them, have used them on several occasions to shoot down Russian planes and missiles.
- Listen to Normand Lester’s editorial on the Mario Dumont show broadcast live every day at 3:30 p.m. via OLD radio :
Xi and Putin, the hour of decision is approaching
During seven hours of intense negotiations in Rome, the United States warned China once morest providing economic and military aid to Russia. The Russians would ask the Chinese, among other things, for drones… and ready-to-eat military meals. Russian logistics are really bad in Ukraine.
China is caught between its strategic partner, Russia, and its main economic partners, the United States and the European Union. It is also the largest trading partner of Russia and Ukraine.
The Chinese are therefore cautious. It is not in Beijing’s interest to rely solely on the Russian economy. Russia’s GDP in 2021 is $1.71 trillion (trillion) compared to Texas’ $2.0 trillion. This is one tenth of that of the European Union, of 17.1 trillion dollars.
China has an economic interest in a speedy resolution of the war. Xi Jinping has the wherewithal to pressure the increasingly isolated Putin, who cannot afford to lose China.
Chinese generals are watching what is happening in Ukraine as they prepare to one day lead the invasion of Taiwan. With the increased problem of the arm of the sea of some 150 km which separates the island from mainland China.
Putin like Gaddafi and Saddam
Justin Trudeau said yesterday that this war is “a grave mistake that Putin must stop now”. Unfortunately, there is little reason to hope for a quick ceasefire. How to make so that Putin can cry victory with his public opinion while ensuring the sovereignty of Ukraine. Squaring the circle. Or almost.
Will Putin ever answer for his crimes in court, be it Russian or international? He deserves the fate of Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein with whom he had “friendly relations”.
