by Zohra Rangwala
As Ukraine’s Western allies continue to fund the Ukrainian military, Russia also continues to expand its own military in order to fully invade Ukraine and prevent further actions regarding joining NATO, and to look at possibly rebuilding the Russian Empire.
As of now, the US and the UK both have stated no military intervention on their behalf. The actions they are taking now are purely financial, such as, funding money and arms, in essence, fighting in a proxy war. They have also imposed strict sanctions on both Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrow. However, it is unlikely for US and UK troops to settle into Ukraine and fight the Russian military.
One of the reasons for limited Western involvement is MAD - Mutually Assured Destruction. To prevent further escalation of Russian military across international borders, the West has to take into account the possibility of MAD, where if they were to attack Russia directly, it would essentially be political and national suicide as Russia, then has the right to fight back in the name of defence.
However, the West has provided a comprehensive package of assistance whilst promoting defense reform through building development programmes and trust funds. In 2020, Ukraine was granted Enhanced Opportunity Partner status in the Alliance which gives the country preferential access to NATO exercises, training, and exchanges of information. In this way, NATO essentially has the right to exercise Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which says, “if a NATO Ally is the victim of an armed attack, each and every other member of the Alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against all members and will take the actions it deems necessary to assist the Ally attacked”.
It is uncertain what would take place if matters escalate further. The leaders of involved nations are currently limited in what they can do to aid Ukraine
edited by William Cao and Vishal Krishnaiah
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