One Week of Russian Aggression & Ukrainian Resistance – Samir Humbatov

Samir Humbatov, Head of the Center for International Relations and Diplomatic Studies

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been going on for a week now. Unlike in the past, the Russian occupying army intends to continue the occupation process in Ukraine on a larger scale. Of course, the Ukrainian army and people are seriously resisting. Just today, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky made a statement about Russia’s serious losses. Zelensky’s statement that the Russian side;
5,840 – military;
30 – aircraft;
31 – helicopter;
211 – tank;
862 – armored combat vehicle;
85 – artillery device;
9 – air defense system;
40 – jet volley firing system;
60 – fuel tank;
3 – PUA;
2 – boat;
355 – motor vehicles, etc. gave losses.

From Zelensky’s statement and media reports, it can be concluded that not only the army but also the people of Ukraine are seriously resisting the Russian occupation. According to the latest information, Russia is preparing to attack Kiev from the northern part of Ukraine. For this purpose, a 64-kilometer-long Russian military convoy from the northern and north-western part of Kiev was directed to the city. It seems that if Ukraine does not prevent this colony, serious clashes in Kiev will continue. Even Russia is trying to destroy Kiev with air strikes, artillery and rocket fire.

Ukraine also continues to buy weapons to better organize its defense. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has announced that it has received new Bayraktar TB2 anti-aircraft missiles from Turkey and is ready for battle.

The other side is Belarus. Yesterday, Lukashenko declared war on Ukraine. This means that Belarus has chosen a side. In other words, there is an opportunity for the West to impose sanctions on Belarus. Sanctions are expected to be imposed.
The steps taken by Russia suggest that the Kremlin administration wants to continue the attack.

The Russian-Ukrainian war is already irreversible, which can lead to serious disasters. Turkey also closed the straits for Russian ships. This means that there are serious concerns for Russia. At the same time, the Chinese Foreign Minister had a telephone conversation with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. For China, the Ukraine war means a serious investment loss and the “One Belt, One Road” project in jeopardy. All this indicates that Russia is cornering.

In this war, Russia has lost its prestige, its economy, its army, and its credibility. It is possible that this will lead to a decrease in confidence in Russia in the world and a narrowing of allied relations with it. Serious protests against the Kremlin’s actions are also growing inside Russia. This means an increase in serious pressure on Russia, both internally and externally. There are reports inside the oligarchy that there are serious protests against the Kremlin.

In my opinion, Russia has already entered the Ukrainian quagmire, and it is very difficult for it to get out of this quagmire. It is likely that both pressure and sanctions on Russia will continue.