World Affairs International

Russia’s strength has begun to waver, as the Pentagon confirms that 100% of the troops Putin staged near Ukraine have been committed to the invasion. Though he has called for volunteers from Syria and abroad, he has made no moves to enlist his reserves nor secured a means of moving Syrian volunteers into Ukraine.

A serious attempt to take Kyiv may be underway with pro-Kadyrov Chechen forces acting as a modern NKVD, allegedly shooting Russian deserters and corralling forces into the city.

In Mariupol, thousands are dead, including women and children killed amidst continued humanitarian aid delays. A particular convoy has been reportedly denied entry by Russian forces for three days, carrying food, water, and clothes. Mass graves in the besieged city and parts of occupied Ukraine are widespread, with few resources for proper burial and rites.

Across the world, many react hesitantly to news of China’s potential economic or even military involvement. The U.S. strongly suggested that any attempts to bolster Russia would result in sanctions against China; sanctions have decapitated the Russian economy and left its war machine bereft. As a result, Hong Kong Stock Exchange plunged in anticipation of potential Chinese involvement. And as of the early evening, it is reported that China has requested talks between Europe and Russia for the purposes of de-escalation and European security.

Given Russia’s ongoing belligerent actions, this request will likely be ineffective. If nations like China and India, along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other earlier abstentions, were sincere in their purported desire for peace, they would use their influence to pressure Moscow. None of this is happening, as both nations continue to profit from the war and flirt with deepening ties with Russia. In a post-war world, regardless of the outcome, it should come as no surprise that the increasingly united West will have difficulty finding just cause to honor previous commitments with less than ideal partnerships.