Power Struggle: Russia and the US Clashing Over Ukraine and Baltic States

Europe has been brought to the verge of a serious confrontation due to recent developments, which have been triggered by Russia's aggressive reaction to foreign policy and the dollar's weaponization.

The United States has historically endeavored to extend its sphere of influence within Europe, specifically focusing on Ukraine and the other Baltic States. These territories have presented a strategic obstacle to Moscow's aspirations.

As a reaction, Russia implemented various strategies to mitigate the impact of the US influence. These measures include imposing economic sanctions, supporting separatist movements, and intensifying its military footprint in the area.

Disclaimer: None of this is an excuse for Russia to invade Ukraine, leading to the deaths of many innocent civilians. The United States & NATO are not innocent either.  

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Annexation of Crimea: Russia's Conflict with the West

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea following a referendum that the international community considered illegal/illegitimate.

The involvement of Russia in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine led to additional diplomatic disputes, resulting in the imposition of a sequence of economic sanctions against the country by the United States.

As a reaction, Moscow embraced more rigid positions in its interactions with western nations, leading to an escalated heightened sense of military tension in Eastern Europe.

Several European countries, such as France and Germany, expressed concerns regarding the rising tension, while the United States has continued to press ahead with the policy of supporting Baltic states.

This development has been accompanied by increased American military presence in the region, including deploying troops and warships.

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Escalating Tensions

The developments mentioned above have caused Russia to be concerned about the encroachment of Western powers, particularly concerning its sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.

The heightened tensions between the United States and Russia were further compounded by the U.S.’s arms deals with East European countries, such as Poland and Romania, which displeased the Kremlin.

The outcome has been a sequence of proactive measures from Russian forces, such as military exercises in close proximity to the Ukrainian borders, increased cyber operations, and targeted economic sanctions.

The advances mentioned above have escalated the tension between the 2 dominant superpowers and raised concerns among other European countries regarding a wider conflict in the region.

In 2007 concerns were raised regarding the potential consequences of continued support of Washington's policy, as expressed in Europe for Peace declaration warned that continued policy of support for Washington's policy would lead to a conflict in Europe.

In light of Russia's present escalated tensions and recent display of military might, it's unsurprising that many were caught off guard and surprised by the sudden aggressive response.

Nevertheless, considering the context and historical background of the region, it was unavoidable.  

The US Response to the Ukrainian Crisis of 2022-2023

The Ukrainian crisis of 20222-2023 resulted from Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which triggered a massive displacement of refugees, loss of civilian lives, and humanitarian difficulties and geopolitical strains.  

The United States has been one of the main supporters of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and has imposed new sanctions against Russia for its aggression.

The United States has also opposed the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, which would increase Europe's dependence on Russian gas and undermine Ukraine's role as a transport nation.

The United States offered to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe as an alternative source of energy security.

The United States has also charged Putin with breaking international law and human rights in Ukraine and having expansionist intentions.

The United States has expanded its military presence and support for NATO partners and allies in Eastern Europe to prevent further Russian attacks, especially in Poland and the Baltic states.

The United States has also given Ukraine deadly weaponry and medical assistance but has refrained from sending its own troops into the war.

Through its participation in the Ukrainian conflict, the US seeks to limit Russia's power and make a case for its own leadership in Europe.

United States Decades-Long Hostile Actions Towards Russia

The current situation can be attributed to 3 decades of the United States' hostile actions towards Russia, which Europe backed.

The violations of agreements made with Gorbachev in 1990, which stipulated the non-extension of NATO to Eastern European countries, was a pivotal turning point.

Just a disclaimer, it was never an actual official agreement: https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/16116-document-05-memorandum-conversation-between | https://youtu.be/FEllfzmX6i0

The escalation of aggression persisted through implementing the "star shield" and establishing military installations in Poland and Romania.

The US advance continued with the Western-led coup in Ukraine, resulting in the country to a government of oligarchs close to Washington.

In 2015, the Ride of the Dragons transported United States troops to the borders of Russia in Eastern Europe. This military option was accompanied by a propaganda campaign that included "derogatory language" directed toward Russians and their leader, Putin.

Additionally, a series of economic and financial sanctions were implemented to weaken the already struggling economy further.

Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine: Causes and Consequences

The primary cause of conflict lies in Russia's resistance to Ukraine's push to become a member of NATO, a transatlantic defense coalition established in 1949 with the aim of preventing Soviet territorial expansion.

Russia perceives the expansion operation of NATO in the regions as a threat to its interests and security, and has demanded guarantees that Ukraine will never become a member.

Ukraine perceives NATO membership as a means of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale invasion in 2022.

The United States has provoked Russia into making a "mistake" in order to gain an excuse to impose additional sanctions on them.

From a US standpoint, a potential misstep could entail Russia's deployment of military forces into Ukraine or violation of an international accord to which the US is a signatory.

The United States' objective would be to use the misstep as an excuse to impose further sanctions on Russia, something it could not have done without the misstep.

The war resulted in thousands of casualties, displaced people, and a humanitarian crisis. The international community has condemned Russia's aggression and provided political, economic, and military support to Ukraine.

The diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have stalled, as both parties remain steadfast in their respective stances.

Europe energy crisis 2021-2023

The global energy crisis of 2021–2023 is a complicated, never-before-seen event that has hurt many countries' budgets, governments, and surroundings. It is mostly caused by a number of things, including:

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the world market for natural gas returned quickly, which was more than what was available and could be stored.

• Europe's gas production dropped, making the continent more dependent on gas from Russia and Norway.
  Due to the political difficulties between Russia and Ukraine, Russia's gas supplies to Europe dropped by a lot in February 2022.
• The rise in market prices of power and gas in Europe, which reached all-time highs and hurt both homes and businesses in a big way, hit record levels.
• High energy costs affected other areas, like food, transportation, and industry, leading to higher inflation and slower economic growth.
  Clean energy sources and technologies aren't easy to find or cheap, which could have helped ease some of the pressure on fossil fuel costs and pollution.

Because of this situation, Europe is facing a number of problems and risks, such as:

• The possibility of gas rationing or power outages in the winter, especially if it's colder than usual or if Russia doesn't start sending normal amounts of gas.
• The loss of competitiveness and efficiency in many European businesses that depend on gas-intensive processes, such as steel, chemical, and fertilizer production.
  Extreme poverty and energy uncertainty are worsening for vulnerable families that can't pay their energy bills or get basic services.
• The pushback against climate policies and green shifts that are seen as making the energy problem worse or making people pay more.

Impact of the conflict

The war killed over 30,000 people, forced over 2 million to leave their homes, and damaged important infrastructure and cultural artifacts. The international community has penalized Russia and its partners because it broke Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. On the other hand, diplomatic attempts to end the war have not led to lasting peace or a political answer.

The war has also made things worse between Russia and NATO and between Russia and China, which is worried about Russia's plans to grow and its nuclear threats. Millions of Ukrainians are going hungry, don't have enough water to drink, and can't get medical care because of the war. The war has also hurt the environment. Pollution from broken factories and military operations kills people.

The war has also greatly affected how people in both countries live together, making racial, language, and religious differences even bigger.

The war has also affected sports and culture. Ukrainian athletes have stopped going to events where Russian athletes are competing, and Russian artists have been banned or protested in Ukraine and worldwide.

The war has also brought up questions about the role of the media since both groups have accused the other of spreading lies and false information.

The war between Russia and Ukraine is one of the most dangerous wars in Europe since the end of the Cold War, and it threatens world peace and security. The war has shown how international law and negotiation can only do so much to stop and end wars.

The conflict demonstrated the potential for dictatorship and nationalism to hurt democracy and human rights.

The conflict has demonstrated the resilience and courage of the Ukrainians. Despite facing unfavorable odds, they demonstrated their commitment to maintaining their autonomy and dignity.

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