The situation in Ukraine is deteriorating quickly and tensions are rising as conflicting forces battle for control. Yesterday, reports indicated that Russia was escalating their artillery fire in the region, heightening the unrest in an already volatile conflict. This further complicates a situation where, despite numerous attempts to achieve a peaceful resolution, no significant headway has been made.
1. Russia Intensifies Artillery Strike in Ukraine
Russia has ramped up artillery strikes in Ukraine, escalating the conflict in the area. Images from the region show impact craters from shelling that has caused many civilian casualties and displacement. The Russian military has been working alongside pro-Russia separatists in the area, justifying their bombardment as a retaliation for threats posed to their border security.
- The Casualties: Over 18,000 people have been killed and many more have been displaced since the conflict began in 2014. Women, children, and the elderly are some of the most vulnerable commodities in the area and have suffered the most.
- International Response: The U.N., European Union, and other international bodies have denounced the strikes, calling for an immediate cease of fire from both sides. However, so far the calls have been largely unanswered.
2. Impact of Violations of Minsk Agreements
Since the beginning of the Minsk Agreement signed in February 2015, Europe, Ukraine, and Russia have been locked in a tug of war as the implementation of the agreement in the East remains stagnated by inaction and violations.
The implementation of the agreement has been hindered by violations committed by both sides of the conflict. On the one hand, Ukraine has failed to pass constitutional reform that would adhere to the conditions of the Minsk Agreement while on the other, Russia has violated security provisions set forth by the accords. This entire ordeal is having detrimental effects, making it difficult to restore and maintain peace in Ukraine.
- Lost Hope. Continuous violations have led to a lost feeling of hope and despair as the conflict continues to remain unresolved.
- Misplaced Trust. The mistrust between the parties involved is increasing tenfold and proving to be damaging to the negotiation process.
- Economic and Environmental Damage. The conflict has resulted in severe impairment and has wreaked economic and environmental havoc in the region.
3. Escalation of Innocent Civilian Casualties
The third chapter of this bleak narrative is . When war intensifies, the number of civilians affected begins to rise drastically. Bullets and airstrikes that were once aimed at military personnel change direction and start spilling into civilian territory, drawing in innocent bystanders into the line of fire.
The impact of these civilian casualties can be devastating. Families torn apart, villages destroyed, and a permanent trauma inflicted upon survivors are sombre reminders of war’s brutality. Moreover, it has implications for global security and economic growth. Refugee displacement, financial losses, and social unrest often ensue as a result of these escalating tragedies. It is clear that no war can be fought without incurring a certain amount of casualties, but it is the collective responsibility of all governments, armed forces, and citizens to ensure that innocent bystanders do not pay the ultimate sacrifice.
4. International Community Must Take Action
Defining a Global Goal
The international community must come together to define a set of shared objectives to tackle the climate crisis. By assigning specific objectives, the international community can establish comprehensive action plans that address all of the factors necessary to creating a stable, equitable and zero-carbon future.
Specific Action Points
Achieving the ambitions of the Paris Agreement will require the international community to act through a number of initiatives, including:
- Respecting existing international commitments to emissions reduction
- Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies
- Supporting climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries
- Developing and implementing market-based approaches to reduce emissions
Such actions are essential for the global community to address the climate crisis, and to ensure the world’s most vulnerable populations are protected from its worst effects. A collective response is needed now to increase resilience to climate change and create a more sustainable future. As time marches on, the Russian presence in Ukraine appears to be gaining in strength rather than weakening. Artillery fire is just one of the many ways that this conflict is playing out, and with its intensification, it’s clear that the Ukraine crisis is far from over.
