The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for almost a month, and the two sides have been constantly exchanging fire in the border area, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of people leaving their homes. Russia** Putin has taken a tough stance in this crisis, not only carrying out frequent air strikes on Ukraine, but also issuing a stern warning to the United States and NATO, asking them not to interfere in the affairs of this region.
At the same time, Putin is also actively promoting his "Look East" strategy, strengthening political, economic, and military cooperation with China, and expressing firm support for Sino-Russian friendly relations. This series of actions shows Russia's ambition and confidence in the international arena, and has also aroused the attention and concern of the world. So, why is Russia launching air strikes on Ukraine?What important promises did Putin make to China?
Russia's airstrikes on Ukraine began at the end of November 2023 when Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale offensive in the eastern Donbas region in an attempt to regain territory controlled by Russian-backed pro-Russian forces.
The action angered Russia, with Putin accusing Ukraine of violating the Minsk agreements signed in 2015, threatening Russia's security interests and endangering the lives and property of ethnic Russians there. Putin then ordered the transfer of tens of thousands of soldiers and a large number of heavy ** to the Ukrainian border, while sending warplanes and drones to intensively bombard the positions and bases of the Ukrainian army.
In just 24 hours, Russia reportedly carried out 100 airstrikes on Ukraine, inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainian forces and forcing them to retreat and cease fire.
Russia's air strikes on Ukraine have the following purposes. First of all, it is to protect Russia's interests and influence in the Donbas region, prevent Ukraine from reuniting this region, and maintain the balance of the status quo. Secondly, it is to demonstrate Russia's military strength and determination to the United States and NATO, warning them not to meddle in the affairs of this region, otherwise they will face serious consequences.
The other is to increase Putin's approval rating and prestige at home, so as to alleviate Russia's economic difficulties and social discontent, and strengthen nationalism and patriotism.
Russia's airstrikes on Ukraine have also triggered China's attention and response. The spokesperson of China said that China is concerned about the situation in Ukraine and calls on all parties concerned to exercise restraint, properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and maintain regional peace and stability. At the same time, the Chinese side also reaffirmed its firm support for the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, saying that China and Russia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, and will continue to strengthen cooperation in various fields, jointly address various challenges, and safeguard the common interests of the two countries.
Putin's response to China was even more cordial and friendly. In an exclusive interview with China's ** TV, Putin said that Russia will continue to support China on issues involving China's core interests, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, etc., and oppose interference and sabotage by any external forces.
Putin said that Russia will strengthen cooperation with China in the fields of energy, science and technology, and military, promote economic complementarity and mutual benefit between the two countries, and enhance the international status and influence of the two countries. Putin also said that Russia will closely coordinate with China, play a constructive role in international affairs, uphold multilateralism and international law, oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, and promote world peace and development.
Russia's air strikes on Ukraine have also provoked a strong reaction from the United States. In a televised address, Biden condemned Russia's actions as a grave violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, a blatant challenge to international order and rules, and a threat to peace and security.
Biden said that the United States will work with allies and partners such as NATO and the European Union to exert greater pressure and sanctions on Russia to force Russia to stop its attack on Ukraine, resume dialogue and negotiations, and abide by the Minsk agreements. Biden also said that the United States will continue to support Ukraine's defense capabilities and provide it with more military assistance and training to protect Ukraine's security and interests.
Putin's response to the United States has also been merciless. At a press conference, Putin accused the United States of being behind the Ukraine crisis and using Ukraine as a pawn to contain and provoke Russia and undermine Russia's security and interests.
Putin warned the United States that if the United States continues to interfere in Ukraine's affairs, or deploys more military forces to Ukraine, Russia will defend its national interests and dignity at all costs, and does not rule out the possibility of using nuclear **. Putin also ridiculed the United States as a declining empire that has lost its leadership and influence in the world and is unable to stop the rise and cooperation of Russia and China.
Russia's two-front war is a high-risk gamble and a complicated game. Russia is trying to safeguard its interests and position in Europe through air strikes on Ukraine, and at the same time enhance its cooperation and friendship in Asia through its commitment to China.
However, such an approach could also trigger strong countermeasures and retaliation from the United States and the West, and even lead to a full-scale war. Therefore, Russia needs to carefully balance its interests and risks to avoid falling into an unmanageable situation. At the same time, China also needs to carefully manage its relations with Russia, both to maintain friendship and cooperation, and to avoid being drawn into the confrontation between Russia and the West.
The United States and the West also need to re-examine their relations with Russia, and seek to resolve the Ukraine crisis and maintain peace and stability in Europe through dialogue and consultation, rather than through sanctions and threats. Only in this way can a nuclear war that could destroy humanity be avoided and a peaceful and prosperous world can be achieved.