Ukraine Invasion

After weeks of sabre rattling, Russia finally launched a full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday, defying international laws and conventions. It should be remembered that Russia is the country with the highest number of nuclear warheads in the world. And with this Russian invasion, Europe has descended into potentially the most dangerous conflict since the Second World War. The attack was not a total surprise, especially after Russia's formal recognition of Donbas region enclaves (Oblasts) of Donetsk and Luhansk in Eastern Ukraine. Russia's aggression has saddened peace-loving people across the globe. Indeed even in Russia there have been protests against Vladimir Putin's move.

We firmly believe that war cannot be a solution to any crisis. There simply can be no justification for invading a sovereign republic. Leaders across the globe have condemned the action. Even Turkey, a Russian ally, has termed Russian aggression as a heavy blow to regional peace. In one of the most severe remarks in his tenure, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used social media to implore: "Under the present circumstances, I must change my appeal: President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia. This conflict must stop now."

Russia may have had genuine grievances. However, putting Russian boots on foreign soil to bully a vastly weaker nation was hardly a prudent move. We believe that Russian concerns could have been addressed on discussion tables. If bilateral discussions did not yield results by any chance, Russia could have approached the United Nations. There was little that could be termed as provocation from Ukraine's side. Russia should realise and accept that the USSR is history and its former components are free to chart their destinies.

The horrific developments in Ukraine have resulted in intense calls for de-escalation and diplomacy. However, making a strong enough case for restraint will not be easy. History teaches us that a terrible effect of war is that it makes interstate rivalries extremely difficult to solve. It is tough to call for dialogue once the bombs have started dropping. That is why many people were hoping, despite Russia's intensely aggressive posturing, that somehow war could be avoided. However, those hopes have been dashed, and the world has become a more uncertain place.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine can have devastating consequences for the global economy, which is yet to bounce back from the pandemic. How strong the blow to the economy will depend on the war's duration, the severity of Western sanctions, and the possibility that Russia might retaliate. Bangladesh's economy may also face negative fallouts as part of the global community. According to a report published in this newspaper on Friday, economists and political analysts have warned that a prolonged Russia-Ukraine war may impact Bangladesh's trade and investment engagements with major European countries – including the invader Russia. The recent spike in crude oil and commodities prices will accelerate further following the abrupt invasion of Ukraine. Cereal prices will shoot up, too, as Russia is a major wheat exporter in the global market.

After the invasion, thousands of lives are on the line with no immediate clear solution in sight. Our thoughts are with those Ukrainians facing the most danger. Media reports say that roads out of Ukraine's capital are jam-packed with people trying to flee. We urge the neighbouring countries to open their doors to what could well become another refugee crisis for the continent. Countries that are not directly affected by the huge movement of people should understand this is more than Europe's problem, but a humanitarian one.

In a world reeling under the pandemic, another global crisis can be solved only through cooperation. However, what is most tragic about the situation in Ukraine is that it was much easier to prevent than the Covid-19 pandemic. Hostilities must be end promptly and a ceasefire needs to take effect. We urge Russia to recall all its troops. The West has to support de-escalation efforts.