The Youths of Nagaland share their views with Mokokchung Times regarding the ongoing Geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine.
What is your understanding of present Russia-Ukraine crisis?
Chongrokhum Sangtam, Post graduate: I believe the present situation between Russia and Ukraine is purely the darkest side of dictatorship. It involves history, ego of one man and desire to revive USSR. But for sure, Putin’s act is a nefarious one that every international community should contempt.
Maongtula Jamir, BA: So far, I believe it is to do not only with invading a country, the current Russia-Ukraine Crisis cannot be reduced to just an invasion conflict, but it is tied up with a long list of Ukrainian-Russian history, geopolitical area, geopolitics, ethnic conflict, so and so. Not to forget that parts of Ukraine sharing a close border with the Russians support the Russian regime while it is otherwise in other parts of the country. As estimated, about 1 in every 4 Ukrainian speaks Russian. This can be subjected to their history and conflicts between the two countries. However, to be more precise, we can say that it’s an indirect conflict between NATO/US and Russia with Ukraine being the battle ground. As Putin declared in his recent speeches about the tensions around the Russian borders, where there lays cantonments or military armaments set up by the US, in a way defying the treaty signed between them.
Shovelu Keyho, MA: Regarding my understanding, on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, I believe that the ongoing crisis is a serious problem that has been affecting geopolitics in the region. Ever since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, besides the two countries involving in pursuance of conflicting interests, the involvement of non-state actors as well as major powers has truly depicted that Ukraine has been used as a playbook by big powers. Yet, Russia’s interest on Ukraine and its efforts to secure supremacy over Ukraine is undeniably logical given the proximity and the significance of Ukraine to Russia. However, considering Ukraine’s sovereignty, Russia’s invasion is a pure delineation of interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine.
Sara Munir Choudhury, BA: According to my understanding the recent Russian- Ukraine Crisis is Russian military buildup on the border of Ukraine has escalated tensions between the two countries and strained bilateral relations, with the United States sending a strong message that invasion would be met with dire consequences for Russia’s economy.
Mughaka Kinny: Putin is trying to save his country; Ukraine has become a chess piece of NATO.
Are you satisfied with India’s diplomatic stand in the Russia-Ukraine crisis?
Chongrokhum Sangtam, Post graduate: India is in a tight situation. She is visibly sandwiched between, being the largest democracy and a good friend of Russia since Soviet era. I think it was an obvious choice for India abstaining from voting in the UN. India have been vocal about their stand to stop violence towards Ukrainians, but considering the fact her strong ties with Russia, her diplomatic stand is justifiable.
Maongtula Jamir, BA: As a viewer and reader and as a citizen of India, I really am not sure of what India should be doing. With India having some kind of allies with both nations, I believe India is holding ground to not get involved or to put itself and the citizen in a futile position. Given it’s a war, furthermore, most of India’s military supplies are marketed in Russia, also there stands some kind of distaste towards Ukrainian by some people given they’ve voted against India in major international platforms and meetings.
Shovelu Keyho, MA: Regarding India’s diplomatic stand on the ongoing crisis, I am of the view that India is on the right track by remaining neutral. Given the strategic importance of both USA and Russia, India’s adherence to non-alignment policy may be persevered. Russia, being a time-tested friend of India, and USA being a major economic partner of India, it may be erroneous on the part of New Delhi to be picking a side without thorough circumspection of the imminent repercussions.
Sara Munir Choudhury, BA: Politically, if we look into India’s stance, it is influenced by its heavy reliance for weapons on Moscow at a time when tensions with China are running high and its unwillingness to abandon a partner that has stood by it in the past.
But India’s need for Western partners to counter China could make it hard. If India’s strategic challenge is China, the reality is that India needs both Russia and the West to counter Beijing. India is dependent on Russia for our defense supplies and in the long term we need the West to take on China and manage its rise.
But Biden had pressed India on the need for a “strong collective response” before the U.N. Security council vote on the resolution deploring Russia’s aggression.
So, I, being an Indian, am somewhat satisfied with India’s neutral stand as India is keeping itself and its citizens as its priority.
Mughaka Kinny: India remaining neutral is good.
Do you think Economic sanctions on Russia by US and the ally is justified? Why or why not?
Chongrokhum Sangtam, Post graduate: Yes. Any flourishing economy will strengthen a country, her military, government and people. Russia may not feel the pinch now but it’s inevitable that Russia will feel the angst about her economic condition. That could be the reason Putin is in a hurry. Russia is world leader in supplying natural gases and Europe its largest consumer. So EU and NATO’s harsh economic sanctions will surely have its effect on Russia’s violent campaign against Ukraine. But the question is how long will EU and NATO countries starve itself and its people of the ever increasing demand of natural gases for such sanctions have reverse impact.
Maongtula Jamir, BA: It is justified to the point that nations are doing something but not enough to stop the ongoing crisis, especially when Ukraine is standing alone against Russia. I’m sure Putin thought through such an outcome and not to forget Russia stands strong with alot of reserves of their country, in triple billion digits to be precise. It might not affect the higher ups so much but for the common citizens it might to an extent. But coming round to the question, sanctions may seem to not be that affective on Russia as of now.
Shovelu Keyho, MA: In a globalised world, current sanctions against Russia may have a series of repercussions. Yet, Putin, having known of the consequences, his actions against Ukraine indicates that sanctions alone may not necessarily deter Putin from pursuing his interests.
Sara Munir Choudhury, BA: No, Economic sanctions on Russia by the US and the ally is not justified because Russia does not care about sanctions. China has Russia’s back; China is Russia’s biggest trading partner. Russia’s economy is solid. A Russia’s oil cut off would cripple Europe in weeks.
Europe is no match for the Red Army. Putin did his homework.
Mughaka Kinny: The US just want to control the world economy, and Russia being its strong rival, US has found a scapegoat.
Do you believe that certain actions by Russia and NATO can bring peace in Ukraine?
Chongrokhum Sangtam, Post graduate: Most certainly yes. They can always share a table to talk out a peaceful way from this mess. Diplomacy is, by far the best solution than war. Both leaders of Russia and NATO know the consequences of choosing war as the conclusion. NATO can convince Ukrainian government to officially declare the autonomous regions like Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk as part of Russia. And in return a treaty must be signed that Russia shall never invade Ukraine nor involve in its internal matters, with assurance that Ukraine shall not be a member of NATO nor EU nor a part of Russia, but remain neutral as a puffer zone between Russia and NATO & EU. Also with guarantee that NATO & EU will act as sole guardian of Ukraine in case of any future violent invasion by any external forces.
Maongtula Jamir, BA: I do not have enough knowledge as to put up and answer to such a question. It is complex so to say, with many aspects to take into account. However, I believe a negotiation and signing of a well planned treaty might be effective. However, with power being the core of politics and administration in every country, it might be too early to say that ‘peace’ would be what the nations want to conclude with. For my personal opinion, any conclusions reached so to say will be for the narrow gains of one nation or the other and not the welfare of the people.
Shovelu Keyho, MA: I am of the opinion that Russia’s non-interference on the internal affairs of Ukraine may pave way for a peaceful Ukraine. Ukraine, being a sovereign country of its own, Kiev should be left free to pursue its own interest even at the cost of Russia. On the other hand, NATO as well may refrain from exerting influence over the politics of Ukraine if a peaceful Ukraine is to be dreamt of.
Sara Munir Choudhury, BA: It’s unpredictable and Russia doesn’t care about sanctions or any actions by NATO. It is only making Putin to do more with that excuse.
Mughaka Kinny: In my opinion, Ukraine should not join NATO.