The arming of Ukrainian armed forces by the US provides a new narrative in the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kiev, in the face of a fresh mobilisation of forces by Kremlin-backed rebels. But this could escalate the crisis. There is a possibility of the Ukrainian army being propped up by state-of-the-art American defence systems and this, in the current context of the problem, could lead to a full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine. Therefore, the crisis may not be resolved.
America’s involvement brings with it a brand new set of variables as has always been the case historically with Washington’s military involvement in any international crisis. The US must work with Russia and other players to bring about a just and peaceful settlement.
The prospect of more offensives, over and above sanctions, would delay the possibility of reaching sustainable solutions through dialogue, given that it could escalate into a US-Russia crisis instead of a Russia-Ukraine one. America’s move to supply advanced weaponry may also have to be compensated with proper training. And this may boil down to US presence on the ground — which is another red line.
Assistance to Ukraine may be a theoritically a good idea, but risks must be weighed wisely.
