As the tensions in Europe persist, Russia continues its brazen display of aggression with drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. It’s almost as if someone forgot to tell them the Cold War was officially over. In their latest stunt, they launched 40 missiles and 580 drones, a spectacle of military might that left three dead and numerous others injured. While the Ukrainian military managed to neutralize most of the threat, the damage was significant, with high-rise buildings left in ruins. Someone might want to remind Russia that destroying someone’s backyard isn’t a very diplomatic way to make friends.
Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelenskyy, characterized Russia’s antics as a deliberate strategy to terrorize civilians and obliterate infrastructure. Clearly, Russia is in no rush to win any humanitarian awards. Amidst all this chaos, while Russia boasts of capturing two new villages, Ukrainian forces were not taking things lying down. They pressed on with counteroffensive operations in the eastern cities, a determined stand against the uninvited guests trashing their homeland. Meanwhile, Russian losses continue to mount, perhaps reminding the rest of the world that they’re not exactly invincible.
But it’s not just Ukraine that has Russia’s military shenanigans in its sights. Multiple incursions into European airspace by Russian aircraft have made European leaders nervous. One particular incident saw Russian aircraft flying over NATO member Estonia’s airspace for a full 12 minutes. That was long enough for NATO jets to escort them back, all the while reminding Russia that airspace isn’t like a casual stroll in the park. Of course, Russia being Russia, claimed it was a routine flight — nothing to see here, folks.
These are not just harmless flyovers. Earlier this month, Russian drones made a point of violating Polish and Romanian airspace as well. Such deliberate provocations have prompted Russia’s neighbors to bolster their defenses, eager to show that they will not stand idly by as Moscow tests international boundaries. While Russia insists on playing innocent, Europe is calling for increased patrols and consultations, keen on reminding anyone listening that international sovereignty still means something.
In this stark reality, it seems diplomacy is taking a backseat. The world watches with bated breath as Moscow sidesteps peace talks and thumbs its nose at international agreements. It’s almost like they’re trying to audition for the role of international bad boy. And yet, for all the bluster, the Ukrainian spirit remains unbroken, as does the resolve of its European allies. Perhaps the lesson here is that might doesn’t make right, and one day the playground bully might just find himself on the receiving end of justice.
