LETTER: A united Nato should halt Putin’s ambitions
The world never needs a war, especially one that involves two superpowers with immense firepower
15 February 2022 - 12:30
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Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: POOL VIA REUTERS/THIBAULT CAMUS
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been trying for a long time to divide and weaken Europe and strengthen the weakened former Soviet Union by regaining lost territory. He is also facing increasing problems within his own country, and Ukraine provides a potential opportunity to re-establish his authority and popularity.
Ukraine is central to his ambitions, and he was emboldened by the unexpected “accomplice” in the person of the 45th US president, under whom cracks began to appear in the ranks of Nato.
US President Joe Biden’s steps to restore unity within Nato became the fly in his ointment. A new resilience has slowly been developing within Nato to stop his ambitions.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also found Ukraine a welcome diversion from his internal problems, and suddenly adopted a strongman position. There is clearly a posturing and testing of wills, with tension on the rise as an invasion is becoming a real possibility.
A strong united front within Nato will weigh heavily on Russia’s decision to invade or not. The world never needs a war, especially if it potentially involves two superpowers with immense firepower.
My take is that Russia will be hesitant to start a war in the face of the unity within Nato. May common sense and diplomacy prevail.
Dawie Jacobs
Sterrewag
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
LETTER: A united Nato should halt Putin’s ambitions
The world never needs a war, especially one that involves two superpowers with immense firepower
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been trying for a long time to divide and weaken Europe and strengthen the weakened former Soviet Union by regaining lost territory. He is also facing increasing problems within his own country, and Ukraine provides a potential opportunity to re-establish his authority and popularity.
Ukraine is central to his ambitions, and he was emboldened by the unexpected “accomplice” in the person of the 45th US president, under whom cracks began to appear in the ranks of Nato.
US President Joe Biden’s steps to restore unity within Nato became the fly in his ointment. A new resilience has slowly been developing within Nato to stop his ambitions.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also found Ukraine a welcome diversion from his internal problems, and suddenly adopted a strongman position. There is clearly a posturing and testing of wills, with tension on the rise as an invasion is becoming a real possibility.
A strong united front within Nato will weigh heavily on Russia’s decision to invade or not. The world never needs a war, especially if it potentially involves two superpowers with immense firepower.
My take is that Russia will be hesitant to start a war in the face of the unity within Nato. May common sense and diplomacy prevail.
Dawie Jacobs
Sterrewag
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
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