Ukraine would be devastated by a NATO-Russia war, which Moscow has been preparing for as diplomatic talks go nowhere. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden's latest remarks indicate the United States may be inviting Russia to make a move into Ukraine, writes Nikola Mikovic.
Unless Kiev starts a massive military campaign in the Donbass, or engages in a serious provocation against Russia, the Kremlin is unlikely to start a war against Ukraine. And even if a war breaks out, Russia’s actions are expected to be very calculated, limited and carefully coordinated with its Western partners, as part of moves toward a “stable and more predictable relationship” between Moscow and Washington, writes Nikola Mikovic.
The Donbass region in eastern Ukraine will be stuck in a state that can be described as neither war nor peace because of stagnation on the part of Ukraine and Russia. So does U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland recently visiting Moscow make any difference?
Russia’s ambitious plans to establish a naval base in Sudan could soon be thwarted. The northeast African country is reportedly trying to “blackmail” Moscow by demanding a review of a deal allowing construction of a Russian naval facility on Sudan’s Red Sea coast.
The Balkans appear to remain stuck in the waiting room to join the EU, while foreign powers fight for influence and redistribution of Balkan nations’ wealth.
Following defeat in the 44-day war against Azerbaijan last autumn, Armenia remains stuck in the Russian geopolitical orbit, and has been forced to make painful concessions to its arch enemy, Azerbaijan.
Copyright Toward Freedom 2019