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Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 13, 2024

An animated version of this cartoon may be viewed here.

The True Provocateur Behind the Bloodshed – Vladimir Putin’s Unlawful Conquests

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, the recent Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region has garnered significant attention. This bold move by Ukrainian forces, pushing deep into Russian territory, has been labeled a “terrorist attack” and a “provocation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin. But such claims, coming from the architect of this brutal conflict, are not only disingenuous but deeply offensive.

Let us be clear: the root cause of this war and the needless deaths on both sides can be traced back to one person—Vladimir Putin. It is his unlawful territorial ambitions and flagrant disregard for international law that have plunged both Russia and Ukraine into this bloody conflict. The Ukrainian raid into Kursk, far from being an unprovoked act of aggression, is a natural and inevitable response to months of defending their homeland against an invader who seeks to erase their sovereignty.

The war in Ukraine, now stretching into its third year, was never a defensive operation for Russia. It was conceived in the Kremlin as a quick and decisive campaign to subjugate Ukraine and expand Russian influence. In February 2022, Russian forces crossed into Ukrainian territory in what Putin cynically dubbed a “special military operation.” The expectation was clear: Ukraine would fall swiftly, and Russia would cement its control over its neighbour.

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But Putin underestimated the resolve of the Ukrainian people and their determination to defend their country. Instead of a swift victory, Russia found itself bogged down in a protracted and bloody conflict. The Kremlin’s initial plans have unraveled, leading to heavy Russian casualties, economic sanctions, and growing international isolation. Yet, despite these setbacks, Putin has continued to pursue his expansionist goals, with devastating consequences.

When Putin accuses Ukraine of provocation, it is crucial to remember who the real provocateur is. The invasion of Ukraine was an unprovoked act of aggression—a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and a breach of international law. The relentless bombing of Ukrainian cities, the targeting of civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of millions of Ukrainians are all on Putin’s hands. This war has not only devastated Ukraine but has also led to the deaths of thousands of Russian soldiers, many of whom were conscripts sent to fight in a conflict they likely did not understand or support.

Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russian territory is not a provocation; it is a defensive measure taken by a nation fighting for its survival. After enduring relentless attacks on its own soil, Ukraine has shown that it can and will strike back. This raid is a message to Russia that Ukraine will not be cowed or conquered. It is a demonstration of resilience and a declaration that Ukraine will not surrender its sovereignty.

As the war drags on, there is a growing weariness in the West about the ongoing support for Ukraine. Voices like Senator J.D. Vance and former President Donald Trump have suggested cutting military aid to Ukraine and seeking a “peaceful solution” that would hand over significant portions of Ukrainian territory to Russia. This approach is not only shortsighted but dangerously naive.

Such a “solution” would not bring lasting peace; it would embolden Putin to push his expansionist agenda even further. History has shown that appeasement only invites further aggression. If Putin is allowed to carve up Ukraine, there is little doubt that his ambitions will extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, potentially threatening the stability of Eastern Europe and the broader region.

Those in the West who advocate for scaling back support for Ukraine must understand that this war is not just about Ukraine; it is about defending the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. If Putin is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, it will set a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for global security.

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The hypocrisy in Putin’s rhetoric is staggering. For years, he has been the one provoking Ukraine, destabilizing the region, and disregarding the lives of both Ukrainians and Russians alike. Yet, when Ukraine responds, he cries foul, attempting to cast Russia as the victim. This narrative is not only false but also insulting to those who have suffered and died because of his ambitions.

The truth is that every death in this conflict—whether Ukrainian or Russian—is the result of Putin’s choices. His unlawful invasion has led to a catastrophic loss of life and has plunged Europe into its most severe conflict since World War II. The suffering on both sides is a direct consequence of his imperial dreams, and no amount of propaganda can obscure that fact.

As the war continues, it is vital to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for the devastation he has wrought. The international community must recognize that the provocation, the bloodshed, and the suffering all stem from one man’s unlawful pursuit of territorial conquest. Putin’s actions have not only threatened Ukraine’s existence but have also endangered global peace and security.

For those in the West who are growing weary of supporting Ukraine, let this be a reminder: the cost of abandoning Ukraine is far greater than the price of standing with them. A “peaceful solution” that rewards Putin’s aggression would not end the conflict—it would simply pave the way for more bloodshed. The world must stand with Ukraine, not only in its fight for sovereignty but in its fight for justice. For it is only by confronting and condemning the true provocateur—Vladimir Putin—that we can hope to bring an end to this senseless war. (AI)