Introduction: Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict a year and a half, the international situation has become increasingly tense and complex. In a public statement on December 17, Putin expressed his disappointment with the United States and the West, and frankly fantasized that the ideological confrontation would end after the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, he now recognizes that the United States and the West are trying to use all means to limit Russia's development, using its resources. This statement reflects the deterioration of relations between Russia and the United States and Russia and Europe, and as the Ukraine crisis progresses, the military deployment of the United States and Europe on the Russian border has exacerbated tensions.
1. The deterioration of Russian-US and Russian-European relations.
As the Ukraine crisis continues to escalate, Russian-American relations and Russian-European relations have deteriorated rapidly. The deployment of heavy troops by the United States and Europe on Russia's borders has significantly increased regional tensions. For example, the United States and Finland signed a defense cooperation agreement that will open 15 areas for the use of the United States, including a number of air force and naval bases, which means that the United States military can carry out military training and deployment facilities in Finland after that. In addition, Finland announced its accession to NATO, closed the border points with Russia, openly expressed support for the West against Russia.
In Germany, with the escalation of the crisis in Ukraine, Germany has deployed 5,000 troops in Lithuania close to the Russian border, with a special focus on the Suwałki corridor between Russia and the Kaliningrad enclave. This move has aroused great concern in Russia and exacerbated its defense and security dilemma. Russia expressed its opposition to NATO's military operation on the border, strongly expressed its position on taking the necessary measures.
Second, behind Putin's statement.
Putin's statement revealed the dilemma that Russia faces in the international arena. Although Russia has always been known for its tough posture and strong military power, the current situation poses a threat to it that is difficult to ignore. NATO's eastward expansion and the U.S. military build-up in Europe have compressed Russia's strategic space and highlighted the tensions between Russia and Western countries. Putin's statement is not only a response to the current situation, but also a prevention of possible geopolitical events in the future.
1.NATO's eastward expansion and Russia's dilemma.
NATO's eastward expansion is one of the biggest challenges facing Russia today. As the Baltic states and Eastern European countries join NATO, Russia feels the pressure to be surrounded by each passing day. Finland's accession as a neutral country has made NATO's presence in the Nordic region even stronger. The U.S.-Finland defense cooperation agreement has exacerbated regional tensions, which has largely stimulated Putin's statement.
2.German military deployment in Lithuania.
The German military deployment in Lithuania exposes Russia to threats from several directions in the West. Lithuania is in close proximity to Russia's Kaliningrad enclave, an area that has been a national defense priority for Russia. Germany's military deployment has not only increased tensions on Russia's borders, but its move to pay special attention to the Suwałki corridor has also made Russia feel challenged in its defense security.
3.Putin's statement and domestic **.
Putin's statement undoubtedly provoked a series of reactions at home. On the one hand, the Russian population generally expresses strong antipathy to the military deployment of the West, believing that it is a violation of Russia's sovereignty. Some, on the other hand, are beginning to question whether Russia's international policy has led to the current predicament. To a certain extent, this poses some new challenges to Putin.
3. Russia's reaction and possible developments.
In the face of increased encirclement and oppression by the West, Russia's reaction will inevitably affect the development of the international situation. Russia has expressed its opposition to NATO's military operations on its borders and has said it will take the necessary steps to maintain it, which could include strengthening the deployment of military forces, strengthening international cooperation, and developing a tougher foreign policy.
1.Strengthen the deployment of military forces.
In the face of pressure from the West, Russia is likely to strengthen its military deployment. This includes increasing the military presence in the border areas and strengthening the defense system at the borders to ensure the security of the country. Russia is also likely to tighten its military control over the disputed areas of the territory to guard against potential threats.
2.Strengthen international cooperation.
In order to safeguard its own interests in international affairs, Russia may strengthen cooperation with other countries. This could include strengthening strategic partnerships with countries such as China to form a more solid camp on the international stage. In addition, Russia may also seek closer cooperation with countries in the Middle East, Asia, and other regions to disperse pressure from the West.
3.Develop a tougher foreign policy.
In the face of pressure from the West, Russia may adjust its foreign policy and take a tougher stance. This could include imposing sanctions on Western countries, adopting more aggressive diplomacy, and taking a tougher stance in international organizations. Russia may respond to the actions of the West diplomatically and demonstrate its great power in the international arena.
Conclusion. Putin's public disappointment and warnings to the West reflect the international dilemma facing Russia. Russia's relations with the West are deteriorating, and NATO's military actions have made Russia feel more and more threatened. Putin's statement is not only a response to the current situation, but also a prevention of possible geopolitical events in the future. In its future development, Russia will face the severe task of how to respond to external pressure and maintain the world's health, which will also have a profound impact on the international situation.