The Russia-Ukraine conflict is a prime example of how people’s lives are affected even with a conflict which can be thousands of miles away from our lives, houses and places of business welcome to the connected world. It is a year now, and the conflict continues, fueled by geo-political greed and gains, which people and some politicians across the globe have coupled with unique obsessions which dates back to cold war hostilities and ghosts.
To put things in perspective, it is not a mere Russia-Ukraine conflict. Still, this is Russia versus the whole of Europe + NATO + America as a block, somehow trying to demonise Russia using relentless expansion of NATO in Putin’s circle of influence. Though it was guaranteed that NATO would not expand in this geography, the fact remains NATO did five expansions. The idea was to encircle and cripple Russian interests at the cost of the life and livelihood of the last standing Ukrainian. The mere interests and geo-political and ages-old obsessions and hatred of the buried cold war, but the Ghost is back to haunt the peace of our present-day world.
Putin was left with no options but to act in his national interest as the next-door formal republic of the USSR could be their dooms day; it was like a similar situation to the Cuban missile crisis and was meticulously planned and created with a thought Russia would fall like a house of cards. In a plan gone wrong where military and economic might both seem not to be delivering information warfare by the Western blocks appears to be the saving grace and only fig leaf to save the honor. Information warfare has been their most potent tool and even practical to a certain extent where they claim victory and Russia’s eminent defeat is around the corner matter of days rather than hours. There has not been such blatant use of information warfare as witnessed in this war.
Contrary to all such beliefs, notions and perceptions, nothing happened. Russia is strong and resilient after hosting sanctions; possibly all flavors on the menu and even the kitchen sink was thrown in. It was believed sanctioning Russia would weaken their resolve, and the objectives of Russian fall or surrender would be met. The Russian economy has slowed a bit but is still alive and kicking. Global sanctions and combined military might could not shake Russia, which, like the Indians, call their Land MOTHER. This explains all; hence one thing is out of the table, i.e. weakening of the resolve and quest to defend their motherland. Today remains the day Russia got knocked out of swift; it has already stuck multiple trade deals with its partners worldwide in their local currency.
Russia and Ukraine, the highest wheat exporters contributing to more than 20 per cent of the world food basket, have also put the world in food crises with energy and inflation. The future is bleak due to the need for fertilise exports from Russia. The new crop sustainability in many parts of the world has become a serious threat, including the USA, and as per some experts, the number is 20 per cent of the cultivable land
Today’s Russian Forex reserves are full, ammunition depots are almost complete, and weapons exports are unhindered. Take an example of Putin’s Gold reserves of 2300 MT went up by three Billion Dollars as soon as sanctions were announced; Russia in the New ME; when it comes to OIL, dyeing Russian industry has a got a lease of life and a permanent market share which even OPEC cannot take back. Russians sold hundreds of billions of dollars of oil during the war and strengthened their economy with substantial oil reserves and a production capability of 10 million barrels daily. Nobody can wish away Russia as a major oil player in today’s world.
While the world is busy with so-called war, Russians have cemented their hold of Artic with trillions of dollars and resources. This will be a bonus from the conflict.
Hence two traditional industries of Russia, i.e. ARMS and OIL, have seen a new resilience and metamorphosis. This is worth mentioning 85 per cent of Russian payments do not go through swiftly. Russians have been preparing for years for this long haul. Russians are coping quite well with the situation.
Let’s look at what world gas got in return. World charity organisations which work on the global level donate or spend 7 Billion USD on the whole world, and as per estimates, more than 150 Billion USD is spent as aid and arms to Ukraine to destroy Russia, but all in vain. Today Russia holds almost 25 per cent of Ukrainian territory and has almost 40 per cent of the total mineral wealth of Ukraine.
World has got inflation as a global gift, with America seeing the highest inflation in 41 years and the whole of Europe in recession, America is almost there, and China is limping as per data which is out. Europe cannot survive and control food and fuel costs with cheap Russians Oil and Gas. Germans 40 per cent of the factories run of Russian Gas heating charges are up multifold, and an economic outlook of 0.1 per cent and UK central bank has revised the interest rates three times straight all-time high inflation with an economic outlook of -0.3 per cent.
There needs to be more as more and more Chinese supplies are becoming unreliable, food and fuel costs are rising, the overall supply chains globally have been disrupted, and inflation and unemployment are rising.
Well, the misery does not end here. Russia and Ukraine, the highest wheat exporters contributing to more than 20 per cent of the world food basket, have also put the world in food crises with energy and inflation. The future is bleak due to the need for fertilise exports from Russia. The new crop sustainability in many parts of the world has become a serious threat, including the USA, and as per some experts, the number is 20 per cent of the cultivable land.
India’s policy and dharma have been the guiding force and beacon of hope for the world, and our economy is the only shining star and hope for a revival of the world economy. Peace, trust Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India have the panch tattva of survival in this global turmoil. India is the only country, and PM Modi is the global leader to whom the world is looking forward to using his intellect, wisdom and goodwill to salvage the situation and ensure the world does not slip into World War III.
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