Russia causes global tension as Putin exerts military control over Crimea
On Feb. 28, a threat of invasion was imposed when armed Russian troops began surrounding Ukraine’s borders. On March 2, Russian troops generated global shock when their President, Vladimir Putin, ordered the seizure of Crimea. As a result of these events, North American and European leaders fumbled to devise the next steps. European and North American citizens also expressed worry at a possible war outbreak – especially when the U.S. and Russian markets plummeted shortly following the invasion, and Hilary Clinton commented that Putin’s actions are reflective of those of Adolf Hitler.
Threats of war were made by the Ukraine following the invasion of Crimea.
“We are ready to protect our country,” was the statement made by Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
In response to the invasion, Obama ordered to suspend trade between Russia and the U.S. while Harper pulled Canada’s Russian ambassador out of Moscow. These actions signaled a severed tie between North American governments and Russia. Obama also commented on the position of the U.S. following these circumstances, expressing his unease at the situation and stating that he believes Russia is “violating international law.”
“We are well beyond the days when borders can be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders,” said Obama following the events of the invasion.
Harper also responded by suspending Canada’s participation in the 2014 G8 Summit. Obama has also threatened to boycott the Summit, which is set to be held in Sochi this summer.
“We call on President Putin to immediately withdraw his forces to their bases and refrain from further provocative and dangerous actions,” said Harper, indicating Canada’s support for Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine’s history is complex and consists of an ongoing dispute over land and resources since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. However, as Russia is one of the world’s largest natural gas exporters, and Ukraine is completely reliant on Russia’s natural gas, Russia has managed to maintain a hold over Ukraine, regardless of their break from the Soviet Union.
Serious concern that a cold war is approaching has risen following Obama’s and the European Union’s decisions to exert economic sanctions on Russia if they refuse to cooperate. If a cold war does surface, serious economic consequences will result for North America and Europe.
“One thing that I find alarming is that our world literally thrives on interdependency and globalization, now more than ever,” stated Lindsey Legge, a History Major at U of G. “Do I think that this conflict will come to a battle-front war? No, not really; however, I think that the effect it can have on peaceful communication and later global relations can be more detrimental.”
Many have also expressed distaste toward Obama’s reactions to the invasion. America’s Foreign Policy has been a heated topic of debate since the events, and various blogs and news articles have accused Obama of feeding the tension and encouraging a war-like response.
“My basic opinion is that if the U.S. sends troops in and we join them in a “peacekeeping” mission, it will only breed further Canadian resentment towards America and their foreign policy,” said Kenzie Mae, also a History Major at U of G.
As the rest of the world anticipates Crimea’s March 16 referendum that will decide the fate of Crimea, tensions between world political leaders continue to rise. Obama and Harper have recently decided not to recognize the referendum due to the shared opinion that Russia’s military control over Crimea is illegal. As the referendum approaches and political leaders discuss plans of action, the world sits on edge in anticipation.