Ashesmitra

The full-scale invasion of Russia on Ukraine is more imminent than ever. I had predicted this scenario more than few weeks back. In reality, most wars are not reactive but well-planned geopolitical instruments for acquisition of power. They are initiated with timing and context which suits the initiators best. In fact, there is more to a war than what ordinary people understand it as. Today's Russian-Ukraine face-off started way back in 2008, when Ukraine and Georgia appealed to become NATO member nations. A process has been initiated to enroll them into membership, which if completed earlier would have got them the security shield of NATO alliance, in a scenario of geopolitical adversity. However, Russia's preemptive attack on Georgia in 2008 was a pronounced strategic response to a possibility of a NATO member country in their backyard. That was the first 'contained war' of the 21st century in the European Region. That was not all. In 2014, Russia made another preemptive military attack on Crimea and annexed this peninsula from Ukraine. This pattern of Russian geopolitical control has a history and all actors in the theatre are former members of the fallen USSR [Soviet Union]. The current military invasion on Ukraine has been nudged into action by a possible NATO membership award to Ukraine in next few months, if not weeks. Russia is not a nation which will stand as a mute spectator, to the prospect of a US military base set-up in its neighborhood, if Ukraine were to become a NATO ally. Unlike 2008 and 2014, Russia's invasion on Ukraine will not be a 'contained battle' in the former USSR neighborhood or in Europe. This round of invasion has the potential to escalate into a full-blown war within Europe or even upgrade to an all-out war against the western superpowers. 'The Domino Effect' is a huge possibility, keeping in view of the current economic, military and geopolitical context in the West, Europe and in Asia. Russia-Ukraine crisis: An invisible war is ongoing alongside the all-out military conflict. Russia is fighting the war on two fronts -- Physical and perception. Recent cyberattacks by the Russian hackers are a part of it.

Amid all the prayers, shock and sadness being expressed at the tragic incident that involved the CDS, his wife, some high-ranking military officers and his security detail, some handles on social media revealed the ugly side of human nature. Some people were busy scoring goals, showing off that they have the fastest access to inside information and some were displaying glee. Some were being plain a**holes, sharing useless one-liners about Karma and justice and such philosophies that people don’t really care about but use the vocabulary to make themselves appear smart.