THE term coined by John Foster Dulles applies very much to the explosive situation in eastern Europe. Violence is mounting in eastern Ukraine. Kiev has taken military action against pro-Russian insurgents in places like Slaviansk. Ukrainian forces are reported to have killed several militiamen. Insurgents have brought down two Ukrainian army helicopters. Clashes have occurred in the Black Sea port of Odessa. Thirty-one people have been killed in a fire. Russia has called for an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council complaining of the violation of the Geneva peace accord of April 17. Moscow is largely responsible for igniting the crisis. Crimea has been annexed. Thousands of Russian troops have moved to the Ukrainian border. No doubt pro-Russian terrorists are on the rampage in eastern Ukraine with Russian material and moral support. Moscow itself has cocked a snook at the Geneva accord. A conflagration will be to the detriment of both sides with the Russian economy getting badly hit and fears of recession creeping in there.
The US and the EU may stiffen sanctions. The Russian energy sector will then be badly affected. Russia in its own interest should acknowledge Ukrainian sovereignty in the eastern region. Military intervention will lead to disaster. The EU has asked for an independent investigation into the Ukrainian massacre. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already acted rashly by supporting Russia’s annexation of Crimea. It is a hangover from the Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty of 1971 which clouds Delhi’s thinking. India should weigh the pros and cons carefully before taking a stand.
