Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent announcement recognizing the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as independent countries has further escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine. In a televised address on November 21st, Putin declared that modern-day Ukraine was created by the Soviet Union and that it is “ancient Russian land.”
Following the announcement, Putin signed an order directing the Russian military to carry out a “special military operation” in the Donbass region, which has since expanded into a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In response, Ukraine has cut diplomatic ties with Russia and declared a state of war.
The conflict has also resulted in several cultural and sports events being adjusted or cancelled. The International Automobile Federation announced the cancellation of the 2022 Russian Grand Prix, which was originally scheduled to be held in Sochi. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) also moved the location of the 2022 Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris, while the European Broadcasting Union revoked Russia’s qualification for the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.
In response to the invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has established a Supreme Command Headquarters and appointed himself as chairman to oversee the country’s military operations. The international community has expressed concern and condemnation over the conflict, with the United States Treasury Department imposing sanctions on Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and other members of the Russian Federation Security Council.
The situation remains tense and unpredictable, with both sides continuing to engage in military actions. The conflict has already had significant economic and political implications, and its long-term effects on the region and the global community remain to be seen.