RNZ

Rising Tensions: Russia Escalates Attacks, Tests Western Resolve

Recent days have seen‍ a⁤ hazardous escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine, marked by intensified aerial assaults and a concerning‌ incursion into NATO airspace. Following a week of brutal attacks targeting Ukrainian civilians – including a massive overnight barrage of⁢ 415 drones⁤ and 40 missiles – the​ need for continued and⁢ unwavering support for‍ Ukraine is paramount.

The crisis deepened with the reported entry of Russian drones into Polish airspace,‍ prompting⁣ the temporary closure of airports ​around Warsaw. This incident, described by EU foreign policy chief ‍Kaja Kallas as “the most serious European airspace violation by Russia since the war‌ began,” is believed to be intentional, signaling a deliberate escalation of‌ hostilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this​ concern, calling ​it “another step of escalation” and urging a ‍strong response ​from Kyiv’s allies, stating, “The Russians must feel the ​consequences… Russia must feel that the ‍war cannot‍ be expanded and will have to be⁤ ended.”

Ukrainian Foreign‌ Minister Andrii Sybiha believes Russian President‌ Vladimir Putin is “testing the West,” emboldened by a⁢ recent display of unity with China ⁣and North Korea at a‌ summit in Beijing. This assessment is ⁢supported by analysts like edward Arnold of⁢ the Royal United services Institute, who point to a direct correlation between the increased attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and ongoing discussions regarding a potential ⁤ceasefire.Arnold argues Putin aims to demonstrate strength and gauge NATO’s resolve, while simultaneously revealing a lack⁣ of genuine ⁢interest ⁢in ending the conflict.

The‍ escalation comes amidst stalled efforts to broker⁢ a peace deal, with Moscow seemingly responding‍ to diplomatic overtures with increased military‌ aggression. The​ attacks have focused heavily on civilian areas, including ​a devastating strike on the village of⁣ Yarova ‍in the​ donetsk region, resulting in the deaths of 24 civilians. Kyiv itself was recently ⁤targeted, with a strike ‌hitting the Cabinet of ministers building for the first time.

Adding to regional anxieties,⁤ Poland has announced the closure of its border with Belarus in‍ anticipation of large-scale joint Russian-Belarusian military ​exercises, “Zapad⁤ 25,” beginning Friday.These exercises,⁣ described as “vrey ‍aggressive” by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, are‍ raising security concerns⁣ among neighboring NATO countries like Lithuania and Latvia.

The situation underscores a critical juncture in the ⁤conflict. putin’s actions suggest a growing sense of impunity and a willingness to push boundaries,demanding a firm⁤ and unified⁣ response from the international community to deter further escalation and support Ukraine’s defense.

China Displays Military Might Alongside ​Calls for⁣ Peace, Raising Global Concerns

A large-scale⁣ military⁣ parade in Beijing, ‍marking the ‍75th anniversary of the end‍ of World War II, ‌showcased ⁤China’s growing military⁣ capabilities and was⁣ accompanied by President Xi Jinping’s call for a choice between “peace or⁤ war.”⁤ The display, attended ⁣by Russian President Vladimir⁢ Putin and north Korean leader Kim Jong-un, featured an⁣ arsenal​ of ⁢advanced weaponry, including missiles capable of global reach, hypersonic technology ‍designed to evade defenses, combat drones, ⁣and laser weapons.

The parade highlighted⁣ China’s advancements in military ⁣technology,​ potentially challenging adversaries in a regional conflict. However, ⁣the simultaneous appeal for peace⁢ has​ been met with scrutiny, especially ‍given the context of Putin’s ongoing invasion ‍of Ukraine and Kim’s⁣ continued ​progress of nuclear weapons.Chinese ​officials⁢ maintain that the country’s military build-up is purely defensive and that the ⁢parade ⁢was intended to ⁢commemorate China’s contributions ‌to global peace. Xi Jinping reiterated China’s commitment to “peaceful ‍development” during the event. ‍

However,analysts point to a growing alignment between China,Russia,and North ⁢Korea,fueled by a shared opposition to the united States ⁢and its ‌international influence. ‍Edward Howell, a‌ lecturer in politics at ‍the University of Oxford, suggests ⁣this alignment could ​lead​ to increased cooperation in trade, weapons development, and a broader effort to undermine the US-led international order.

This strengthening of ties with nations considered unfriendly to the West is​ occurring as ‍China asserts its territorial claims in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan, simultaneously driving⁢ American allies in Asia closer to Washington.

Domestically, China is ‌facing economic challenges, ⁢including a slowing economy and​ rising unemployment. Some observers suggest the military parade and associated​ nationalist rhetoric may be ‍a strategy to ⁤bolster public support⁢ and ‌maintain internal stability. Tong Zhao, ⁣a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment‍ for International Peace, believes the event serves to “rally nationalism at home and strengthen ⁢public support​ in⁢ face of economic ‍headwinds,” ultimately⁤ supporting China’s⁤ “long-term rivalry with Washington.”

Looking ahead, Chinese military strategists are contemplating the implications⁢ of achieving a military capability comparable to that ‌of ⁢the United States. ‌Senior​ col. (ret) Zhou ‍Bo of Tsinghua University’s Center⁣ for International‍ security and Strategy, expressed​ the challenge of demonstrating a “world-class ⁤military” without engaging in actual ⁣combat.

Source: CNN