You all may be aware about the Ukraine and Russia crisis.
Today on 24th February 2022, Russia declared war on Ukraine.
It is actually happening!
You may wonder, why is Russia waging war? What really happened?
The answer to this is not very simple and many different events need to be understood for it.
But don’t worry ISH News has explained everything in detail and in the right sequence of events.
These series of events will help you understand the problem between Russia and Ukraine.
Yes. Please make sure you watch the video till the end so that you are completely up-to-date with the matter. This is very important.
To truly understand the matter, we will have to go back and learn a bit of Russian-Ukranian history.
Once upon a time the mamoth country of Russia and Ukraine were not separate states.
Between 1922 to 1991 there was the USSR. Russia, Ukraine and 15 countries were a part of the USSR .
Between 1922-1991 the Soviet Union was spread over a very large area.
Post 1991, the USSR dissolved. Russia and Ukraine then became two very powerful countries.
Did you know that Ukraine had the world’s third largest atomic & nuclear weapons in the world.
These nuclear weapons are no joke. They can wipe out entire cities!
Ukraine had the 3rd largest arsenal of such weapons in the world.
The USA, Russia and Ukraine had a discussion, where Russia and the US suggested to denuclearise Ukraine.
as these weapons could cause dangerous wars. After much diplomacy, Ukraine agreed.
When asked to denuclearise, Ukraine was ready to hand over all the weapons to Russia.
However in exchange Russia had to promise that they would never invade or attack Ukraine.
Russia agreed, the nukes were handed over and there was peace for a while.
Then something happened which stunned Ukraine.
in 2014, when Russia invaded Ukraine and took control over Crimea.
This was a huge shock. So what was the reason for this invasion?
Crimea is a strategically important place and is known for its ports and warm waters.
Even during freezing winters, the ports never freeze ensuring continuous shipping activities.
Russia was desparate to capture Crimea as Russia ports freeze during winters, thus affecting business.
This is why Russia grabbed Crimea which led to a huge outcry
and there was major tension between the two countries.
In Ukraine there were many separatists group that wanted the country to be with Russia.
Ukrainians nationals themselves were protesting against their government to be a part of Russia.
Russia taking advantage of this, started financing such groups to encourage separatist activities.
The protests that ensued were very dangerous, violent and led to many deaths.
Ukraine was fed up as it's people were protesting against the government to support Russia.
They were devastated. After continuous problems they decided to be members of NATO.
NATO, too, is open to make Ukraine its member.
Russia was furious when this happened.
So what is NATO? Let me explain.
This is the full form of NATO.
It was created in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations.
30 countries were its members.
So why was NATO created?
USSR had become very very powerful and countries felt that the USSR would forcefully invade into their territories.
In order to avoid invasion by the USSR countries formed the NATO.
NATO considers an attack against one or several of its members as an attack against all.
The intruding country would have to face the might of the 30 member countries. This was why NATO was established.
the 30 countries include USA, Canada, France and other big countries.
Now that USSR is no more, NATO continues to function. Member countries continue to support each other if someone attacks them.
If any member is attacked, then all the NATO countries would unite and defend that member.
Ukraine was never a member of NATO but now Ukraine wants to become a member because Russia's was instigating separatist activities.
Due to Russia's invasion into Crimea and rising tensions, Ukraine decided to become a member of NATO.
So that NATO can support them against Russia.
Russia was furious and warned Ukraine from joining NATO.
Russian President Vladimir Putin - this is his sign name - said
the matter is between Russia and Ukraine. I will not tolerate any interferance,
As a warning Russian President Vladimir Putin sent 1,90,000 Russian military to the Russia-Ukraine border.
They have been there for a month and have been planning an attack.
Putin told soldiers of the Ukrainian military to lay down their weapons and join Russia.
There are two territories in Ukraine named - Donetsk & Luhansk
Separatist leaders in these areas have been demanding an independant status for a long time and they are completely against the government.
Taking advantage of this, Putin has recognized two areas in eastern Ukraine as independent countries as he signed an agreement with leaders.
Who gave Putin the authority to do this when he is President of Russia
The Ukraine government gets to decide the status of its territories
How can Russia interfere and assert its dominance! Donetsk and Luhansk were happy with there independant status.
Countries around the world were shocked and unhappy with Russia’s decision.
It seems like Russia has taken away Ukraine’s right to decide on the matter.
United States President Joe Biden has announced that the US will stop all trade with Russia.
Strict trade sanctions have been implemented by the USA.
Similarly Germany, England and other European countries have also impose strict trade rules against Russia.
Today morning Putin has declared a war against Ukraine and sent its troops to Donetsk and Luhansk.
This means Russian troops are now on Ukraine soil.
Putin told soldiers of the Ukrainian military to lay down their weapons and join Russia.
He also vowed retaliation against anyone who interfered. He warned the retaliation would unlike anything witnessed in history!
A Russia-Ukraine war caused by Putin would have a catastrophic effect on world's economy.
USA, Germany and Canada were making efforts to convince Vladimir Putin to pull his army back from the borders of Ukraine.
However Putin is determined.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country wanted peace and not war.
He said, "Just because we are asking for peace does not mean we are bowing down"
We are ready to fight but do not want to escalate the matter and want peace.
Now if you can not accept this, it’s upto you.
Last week many Indian living in Ukraine were brought back to India as the Indian government realised the situation could worsen anytime.
Experts believe if there is a full fledged war,
it will have a major impact on the Indian economy, the Indian stock market, and prices of various commodities may rise sharply.
Prices of oil & petrol could rise.
Prices of wheat may also rise.
You may think why will price of wheat rice when we have so much in India.
This is because Russia is the world's top wheat exporter while Ukraine is the fourth largest.
A war could lead to a spike in prices. Everyone is very stressed.
Now you may wonder, who is India supporting? Russia or Ukraine? Hmmm what do you think?
India’s position is currently very neutral.
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said,
"This is truly a big problem"
The war can have a huge impact on the economy and lead to a lot of suffering.
We urge both countries to calm down and make peace."
Currently NATO members like USA, are sending military troops
to Ukraine. We will have to wait and watch what disaster unfolds.