Key Takeaways:
– Vladimir Putin reportedly engages Asian forces in the ongoing Ukraine crisis with Chinese drones and North Korean soldiers.
– North Korea allegedly dispatched 10,000-12,000 soldiers to aid Putin’s forces.
– Ukraine sees NATO membership as the best guarantee for its future security amidst the escalating conflict.
Unraveling Putin’s Strategy
Russian President Vladimir Putin is accused of involving Asia in the Ukraine conflict, as Chinese-made drones and North Korean troops are allegedly commissioned to bolster his forces, according to German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock. She shared these insights after her meeting with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi in Beijing. Voicing her concern at this development, Baerbock emphasized the responsibility of UN Security Council’s permanent members, like China, to refrain from fueling international conflicts with their support.
A Tangible Asian Presence in Ukraine
Fueling the allegations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently revealed that North Korean soldiers deployed to back Russia have been killed in combat. Pyongyang is believed to have sent between 10,000-12,000 soldiers to assist Putin’s forces in the battlefield. Additionally, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson claimed that an extra 2,000 North Korean troops have been allocated to Russia’s Marine and airborne units fighting on the front.
The Ongoing Battle on Ukrainian Soil
While these foreign forces continue to add to the tension, the conflict on Ukraine’s eastern front progresses with Moscow’s troops capturing village after village. The main objective is the complete acquisition of Ukraine’s industrial Donbas region. Further harming the beleaguered country, Russian airstrikes persistently target a hobbled Ukrainian energy grid, exacerbating the situation as winter approaches.
The Wake-Up Call for the West
Looking at these developments, British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, advocated for intensified support for Ukraine. Starmer warned that a possible Russian victory in Ukraine could jeopardize Europe’s stability, security, and prosperity, perhaps even emboldening Russia’s allies. He also acknowledged the need for Ukraine to be in a firm negotiation position for any future peace dialogues.
Potential Support from NATO
Ukraine sees NATO membership as a significant assurance of future security. However, insiders suggest that NATO is likely to disregard Ukraine’s plea for quick membership invitation. Despite Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha’s insistence that an invite would nullify one of Russia’s main arguments for the war, there is currently no signs of consensus among NATO’s 32 members for such a decision.
The US and Ukraine Strengthen Defense Ties
On another front, US and Ukrainian defense chiefs have been discussing Russia’s use of new ballistic missiles as well as preparations for the next meeting of arms donors. Washington has pledged to provide Kyiv $725m of missiles, ammunition, anti-personnel mines, and other weapons, enhancing Kyiv’s defenses before the Biden administration leaves office.
At a time when the world faces sweeping geopolitical changes, the unfolding situation in Ukraine hints at reshaping international relations in foreseeable future. As leaders deliberate critical outcomes, the task remains to prevent the spillover of current crisis in Ukraine from besetting global peace and stability.