Comparing that to its invasion of Afghanistan is instructive. Around 15,000 Soviet soldiers lost their lives during the ten-year occupation of Afghanistan. Between 80,000 and 150,000 Russian soldiers have died as a result of the invasion of Ukraine in just one year. The war has impacted not just the two countries and their neighbours but the entire world.
Source: WION
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 of last year, many envisioned a brief conflict. Actually, this was only wishful thinking. One year after the invasion, the conflict is still going on and not even close to coming to a conclusion. Instead, it appears that things will get worse over the next few weeks and months since Russian President Vladimir Putin is locked in his own trap and powerless to escape or even start talks. Moscow has been sending ever more troops and increasingly lethal weapons into Ukraine. Meanwhile, the western countries have shipped Ukraine advanced artillery, main battle tanks, air defences, shoulder-fired missiles, as well as billions of dollars in promised aid.
China may emerge victorious in the conflict between the West and Russia over Ukraine. Beijing has abstained from voting on UN resolutions that are hostile to Russia, but this has given the Kremlin adequate cover. Top officials from this country visited Moscow and spoke eloquently about their support for Russia. Yet, China is concerned about this never-ending conflict since a weaker Russia won’t be much of a support for Beijing’s efforts to challenge US hegemony. It’s possible that these worries motivate China’s desire to mediate disputes. It remains to be seen if the Ukrainians would regard it as an honest broker. China, though, might be the only nation with Putin’s ear.
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