Is The Third World War Knocking At The Door?

The ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine are evident to the world since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, a part of Ukraine. Few days ago, Russia deployed its troops at the Ukraine border which is estimated to be more than 100,000 in number. The ulterior motive behind this humongous mobilization of the Russian army raised tensions in Ukraine and it also bothered many nations, especially USA. The USA has always blamed Russia for its expansionist policy and motto to make Russia as large as the USSR was. This time, the USA has warned and intimidated Russia to move back. Now the world is all agog to witness the next move by Russia.

Latest updates on escalating tensions

The UN Security Council tried to resolve the tensions by organizing a meeting in New York on 31st January 2022. This august platform witnesses a nasty face-off between USA and Russia on Monday.

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas stated that - “The threats of aggression on the border of Ukraine are provocative”.

On the other hand, Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia replied in the same tone by saying “our western colleagues are talking about the need for de-escalation. However, first and foremost, they themselves are whipping up tensions and rhetoric and are provoking escalations”.

Later Russia called a procedural vote for which the USA needed 9 votes to proceed. The USA got 10 votes. India abstained its vote.

What efforts are being made by the international community?

The USA, European Union and several other nations have threatened to impose unprecedented economic sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, NATO has also deployed fighter planes and warships on the European border to give a befitting reply to Russian intentions. Russia doesn’t want Ukraine to get aligned and become a member of NATO, because it will create political and border security concerns for Russia. This is the primary objective of Russia behind the plan to surround and annex Ukraine.

Previously, considering Russia’s insecurities and proposals, the USA has stated that Ukraine will not get the membership of NATO and will be assisted only when needed. But now, the USA has taken its statement back and rejected Russia’s demand which deteriorated the condition. Basically, stepping back or negotiating have become prestige issues for Russia and the USA.

USA is planning to remove Russia from global payment system SWIFT, Russia’s Nord Stream-2 pipeline can be stopped from functioning, sanctions on Russian Direct Investment fund, Russian currency will not be converted into foreign currencies etc. Although imposing these sanctions will be not easy as it needs concerns of many European countries too.

Impact of war on India

Firstly, India has to take a diplomatic decision of choosing Russia or USA. India has managed good terms with Russia and USA by now, but if the war begins, India will have to choose a side. India buys defense equipment from Ukraine and delivery of the S-400 system will be affected due to this. China will certainly help Russia and this is not a good sign for India. If Russia and the US engage in war, it will be a golden opportunity for China’s expansionist policy. If oil prices rise, it will directly hinder the recovery of the Indian economy.

Comparison between weapons and armies of US and Russia

USA’s GDP in 2021 stood at $22.99 trillion and Russia is at $1708.58 billion. Despite major difference in the economy, both are capable of doing large scale disaster. Here is a comparison of their armies-

We also have to take into account that NATO countries are linked with Russia. But there are few weapons that can change the game.

USA has ADS (Active Denial System) that kills through pain waves, M3E1 armored system, AC130H Gunship, Nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier, UGM-133 Trident 2, Ohio class nuclear submarines, THAAD missile system etc.

Russia has some powerful weapons namely- Iskander missile system, Belgorod submarine, S-400 missile system, Tornado rocket system, Akula class submarines, latest editions of Armata T-14 tanks, T-90 tanks, SU-27 Flanker etc.

The involvement of China by the side of Russia will take the war to another level. Also, the fighter planes of NATO members will play a crucial part in this upcoming war.

Both Russia and the USA have lethal ballistic missiles and they have hypersonic technology too. Nuclear warheads are an unannounced power of both the countries. If the war begins, no one can estimate its devastating impact.