With the approval of Germany to transfer 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks to war-torn Ukraine, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine reached another level (“Russia businesses offer cash to destroy western tanks in Ukraine,” Jan.31, Gulf Today website).

The US too is going to supply M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine. What next? One thing is clear that Ukraine can’t survive this way, at the expense of Western and the US allies, for a long time. The Ukraine government never had full control over their territory. Annexation of Crimea by Russia was an example. A NATO membership is not the answer for all our weakness. Take the citizens into confidence, identify the voices of dissent and provide them an opportunity of being heard. A change in the US administration or their policy will have the potential to scuttle the prospects of the ongoing battle in Ukraine to disastrous consequences.

Russia too might be in a dilemma that even if they can capture entire Ukraine, still they are going to see NATO artillery beyond the borders. Russian strategy might prefer to prolong the war as far as possible with a view to exhaust Ukraine and force them to negotiating table with favorable conditions.

“We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression.”

Girish R Edathitta,
Kerala, India