The recent North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Ukraine crisis has been a major concern for global leaders. This crisis originated from Russia’s escalating demands towards NATO and Ukraine, which Turkey has termed as one-sided. There have been high tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border which, according to U.S. intelligence reports, pose a significant security threat for the region, with possibilities of leading to a more extensive conflict.
The Background: A Historical Perspective
Ukraine and Russia’s history involves hundreds of years of familial, linguistic, and cultural ties. The emotions attached to these shared links have long been manipulated for military and political gains. As part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine was acknowledged as the second most potent Soviet republic after Russia, serving a crucial strategic, economic, and cultural role. This historical connection has added complexity to the ongoing crisis.
The Conflict: Unceasing Power Struggle
Since Ukraine’s secession from the Soviet Union, Russia and the West have consistently contested for greater influence over the nation to maintain regional power balance. Russia benefits geopolitically from the unique geography of the Black Sea region. The Donbass region of Eastern Ukraine has seen a pro-Russian separatist movement since 2014. This culminated in 2014 when Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine, marking the first territorial annexation in Europe since World War II.
The Minsk Peace Agreement
To prevent open conflict, the ‘Minsk II’ peace agreement was signed in 2015 by representatives from Russia, Ukraine, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the leaders of two pro-Russian separatist regions. France and Germany mediated this agreement. Recently, Ukraine requested NATO to expedite their membership in the alliance, which Russia declared as a “red line”, adding more tension to the crisis.
The Current Standoff: Russia and U.S.
Russia is seeking assurance from the U.S. that Ukraine will not be included in NATO, but the U.S. is unwilling to provide any such guarantee, resulting in a standoff. To gain concessions from the West, Russia has maintained high tensions at the Ukraine border. The involvement of the U.S. or European Union (EU) in military action against Russia could trigger a global crisis.
The Role of Turkey
Turkey has displeased Russia by supplying combat drones to Ukraine, which can be potentially used in the conflict with two eastern separatist regions. Turkey’s acquisition of an advanced missile defence system from Russia has also upset the U.S. and NATO, resulting in sanctions from the U.S.
India’s Stand
India has been relatively quiet on the issue, refraining from joining Western powers’ condemnation of Russia’s intervention in Crimea. It supported Russia by voting against a Ukraine-sponsored resolution that condemned alleged human rights violations in Crimea at the United Nations.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Overview
NATO is a military alliance formed in 1949 by the U.S., Canada, and several Western European nations. Its primary goal was to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. A violation of one member was an attack on all members according to Article 5. As of 2019, there are 29 member states in the alliance.
About Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
The OSCE is globally recognised as the largest security-oriented intergovernmental organisation. Its mandate includes aspects such as arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, and fair elections. Although India is not a participating state, all 57 participating countries hold equal status.
Way Forward
Revival of the Minsk Peace process is deemed as a practical solution for the present situation. The West should encourage both sides to resume talks while adhering to their commitments as per the Minsk agreement. It is essential to involve all parties in an OSCE-mediated process to protect European security, mitigate ongoing human and economic costs, and safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty.
