A Ukrainian Day of Infamy

The Russo-Ukrainian war, smoldering for eight years, has now entered a new phase in the early hours of February 24, 2022, with the full-blown invasion of Ukraine by Russian combat forces, ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the commencement of the attack, Putin addressed the world, according to one news source as follows:

“Today, I again consider it necessary to come back to the tragic events taking place in the Donbas and the key issue of ensuring Russian security. Let me start with what I said in my address of February 21. I am referring to what causes us particular concern and anxiety – those fundamental threats against our country that year after year, step by step, are offensively and unceremoniously created by irresponsible politicians in the West."

“By the way, American politicians, political scientists and journalists themselves write and say that in recent years, an actual “empire of lies” has been created inside the United States. It’s hard to disagree with that, as it’s true. But let us not understate: the United States is a great country, a system-forming power. All her satellites not only dutifully agree, sing along to its music, but also copy its behaviour, and enthusiastically accept the rules they are offered. Therefore, with good reason, we can confidently say that the entire so-called Western bloc, formed by the United States in its own image and likeness, all of it is an ’empire of lies.'”

Putin was quick to play the nuclear card, should anyone directly interfere with his plans:

“As for the military sphere, today, modern Russia, even after the collapse of the USSR and the loss of a significant part of its capacity, is one of the most powerful nuclear powers in the world and possesses certain advantages in some of the newest types of weaponry. In this regard, no one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead to defeat and horrible consequences for any potential aggressor.”

Putin urged all Ukrainians to lay down their arms to avoid "consequences:"

"Whoever tries to hinder us, or threaten our country or our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to consequences that you have never faced in your history. We are ready for any turn of events. All necessary decisions in this regard have been made. I hope that I will be heard.”

What is next?

So this new phase of the Russo-Ukrainian war begins. How it pans out is really anyone's guess. War is comprised of individual acts of great heroics and villainous behaviors. As someone once noted, the first casualty of war is truth.

Poland fought for 26 days after the September 1, 1939 attack of the Wehrmacht, ordered by Hitler, and the September 17, 1939 invasion by Russia, ordered by Stalin, resulting in the partition of three-fifths of Poland by Russia and the annexation of 13 million Poles.

?The “reason” given was that Russia had to come to the aid of its “blood brothers,” the Ukrainians and Byelorussians, who were trapped in territory that had been illegally annexed by Poland. History.com

Shortly after, on November 30, 1939 Finland found itself facing off with Russian forces, after Russia demanded certain Finnish territories. Although facing overwhelming forces, 21 divisions, with over 450,000 men (other sources say one million), the Finns held the Russians off for over three months until surrendering on March 12, 1940.

The situation in Ukraine may be different. All wars are. It is speculated that Russia has an ingrained "fifth column" of allies and collaborators inside of Ukraine, no doubt already at work.

As history tells us, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is nothing new. Russia is always interested in taking advantage of anything that adds to its periphery. And as history tells us, if successful in Ukraine, sanctions or not, Russia will likely get away with it. ■

Please comment: What are your thoughts on this unfolding tragedy? Will this war this affect the world economy? Will China become emboldened for its designs on Taiwan? What is the "long view" of things? Will Russia face any consequences?