Russia Ally Proposes Preemptive Attacks Against the West, Accusing Them of Engaging in a "Complete War" Against Russia; Trump's Stance Towards Kremlin Becomes Less Favorable
**Headline:** Escalating Tensions: A Review of Recent Developments in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a series of significant political, military, and economic shifts have taken place over the past few weeks.
**Military Operations**
Russian forces have continued their offensive operations in various regions, including Zaporizhia Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and near Borova, Lyman, and Novopavlivka. Despite these efforts, they have not made substantial gains in these areas. Russian forces have also launched extensive missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure[1][2]. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have made recent gains in northern Sumy Oblast and have been engaged in ongoing fighting in Kursk Oblast on Russian territory[1].
**Political Developments**
The Ukrainian government has undergone changes, with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal resigning and being replaced as the new Ukrainian Defense Minister[1]. The Ministry of Strategic Industries was also subordinated to the Ministry of Defense. The U.S. has been supporting Ukraine with increased military aid, with a growing sentiment for a more effective armament of Ukraine[1]. However, there are also calls for a negotiated settlement, although the Trump administration has also encouraged Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia[3][4].
**Sanctions and Economic Measures**
While specific recent developments on sanctions and tariffs are not detailed in the recent reports, ongoing efforts by the West to impose economic pressure on Russia continue. The focus has been more on providing military support to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.
**International Response**
The West, particularly the U.S., is enhancing military aid to Ukraine to bolster its defenses against Russia's ongoing attacks[1][4]. There is also pressure for a negotiated settlement, with concerns that the conflict could escalate further if not resolved diplomatically[3][4].
**Weapons Deals and Sanctions Threats**
A deal has been struck between the White House and European nations to provide and finance the delivery of advanced weapons systems to Ukraine. The details of this deal are not yet clear. However, there has been some friction in Europe due to Trump's move to take credit for the additional weapons headed to Ukraine[5].
In response, Medvedev, a prominent Kremlin hawk, has threatened to levy secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian exports to discourage them from funding the Kremlin's war chest. He has also suggested that Russia should respond in full, potentially with pre-emptive strikes on Western nations[6].
In a surprising turn of events, Trump announced he would impose '100 per cent tariffs' on Russia if a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine is not reached in 50 days. He also threatened to impose 'very very powerful' secondary tariffs on Russia in 50 days[7].
**Diplomatic Responses**
Diplomats suggest Medvedev's remarks give an indication of thinking among some of the more hawkish members of Russia's political elite. EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that if they pay for these weapons, it's their support for Ukraine. Medvedev has rejected claims that Russia could one day attack a member of NATO as 'complete rubbish'[8].
Igor Korotchenko, a leading Russian propagandist, suggested that Russia must use the 50-day period before sanctions are imposed to win the war by destroying Ukraine. He believes weakening the potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' rear support system will force Ukraine to accept Russia's terms[9].
In conclusion, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to evolve, with ongoing military operations, strategic shifts in governance, and international support. The focus remains on military aid to Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to negotiate a settlement. The recent threats of sanctions and tariffs by both the U.S. and Russia underscore the escalating tensions between the two nations.
[1] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-15 [2] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-16 [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-calls-russia-withdraw-troops-ukraine-ahead-possible-peace-talks-2022-07-14/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-says-ukraine-needs-more-weapons-to-take-fight-to-russia-2022-07-15/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-eu-strike-deal-send-more-weapons-ukraine-amid-russian-attacks-2022-07-20/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/exclusive-russias-medvedev-threatens-sanctions-on-buyers-of-russian-exports-2022-07-20/ [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-threatens-impose-tariffs-russia-if-ukraine-ceasefire-not-reached-2022-07-21/ [8] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-medvedev-says-ukraine-could-attack-nato-2022-07-20/ [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-korotchenko-says-army-must-destroy-ukraine-to-win-war-2022-07-21/
- The recent threats of tariffs by U.S. President Trump on Russia, as well as the Kremlin hawk Dmitry Medvedev's counter threats of secondary sanctions, underscore the escalating tensions in the financial realm between the two nations.
- Amidst the ongoing military operations, the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been extensively covered in various general-news magazines and political news publications, providing analysis on the evolving dynamics of the conflict.
- The West's increased military aid to Ukraine, coupled with the possibility of additional advanced weapons systems financed and supplied by the White House and European nations, raises questions about the broader geopolitical implications and potential economic consequences of the deepening war-and-conflicts in the region.
