MY TURN: A military view of Russia vs. Ukraine

The world may be on the verge of World War III. We pay attention to news reports of military actions worldwide, but only through filtered news reporting. However, we know that our Navy has been attacked in the Red Sea, and rockets have targeted our troops in Iraq and Jordan.

America’s military is up to the challenge of war and prepares for it with tough, realistic training. Our great Navy keeps sea lanes open, and our technically advanced Air Force provides a safety dome overhead. Preparing for the worst, the U.S. military provides a shield for America and other countries against aggression from Russia and other nations threatening world security. 

We provide support for the Ukrainian military with supplies and military equipment to level the battlefield without putting troops on the ground. However, U.S. forward troop deployments strengthen NATO allies, who support Ukraine by sending weapons of war to combat the aggression of Putin’s army.

Putin has ambitions to bring Ukraine back into the fold with Mother Russia to prevent “democratic encirclement” from the West and to safeguard his regime, possibly using it as a staging area for a more aggressive approach to subdue neighboring European countries.

In an NBC news release dated Feb. 25, 2022, Putin said that “Russians and Ukrainians are so closely historically and culturally aligned that they are essentially one people.” The report continues, “Russia and Ukraine have been linked by a common history since the ninth century when Kyiv became the capital of the ancient state of Rus. They also have closely related languages, with many people in the two countries sharing strong family ties.

“The two neighbors stayed aligned after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 but began drifting apart in the 2000s as Kyiv sought deeper integration with Europe.”

Before Russia invaded Ukraine, President Trump encouraged NATO and other European countries to increase their percentage of GDP spending to bolster and modernize their military. An increase in military spending pushes against a government's socio-economic policies and possibly subdues some social programs that are in place for its population. Countries, especially those that border Ukraine and Russia, now realize why they need to increase military spending for their security.

An ABC Newscast on Feb. 15, 2024, reports that “The U.S. allocates almost twice as much of its GDP — $860 billion — as European allies and Canada do together — roughly $404 billion. The U.S. contribution makes up two-thirds of the total NATO defense expenditures. This has been the case since the alliance was founded. U.S. defense spending also saw a major increase after the 9/11 attacks.”

Recent reports by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post reveal “a significant shift in the landscape of military technology, showcasing how major nations like China and Iran are shaping warfare tactics in Eastern Europe.”

The Wall Street Journal article, dated April 10, 2024, cited a recent article in the Moscow Times that said “China has emerged as a crucial player, reportedly supplying tens of thousands of drones to Ukraine. These drones, mainly purchased from SZ DJI Technology and other suppliers, play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s strategy to counter Russian forces.”

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, a conflict erupted in the Middle East between Israel and Gaza when Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, invaded Israel on Oct. 7. Also, showing support for Hamas, Iran recently launched a barrage of drones and missiles against Israeli territory.

The barrage was mostly defeated with Israel’s Iron Dome, an air defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming rockets and artillery shells.

The European Union and NATO allies have rallied in defense of Ukraine, probably to the surprise and chagrin of Russia. Staging troops and equipment at the border of Ukraine gives notice to the invaders that there is serious [military] support for their neighbor.

The invasion has polarized the world and the show of support is immense. Comrade Putin and the Russian Federal Assembly, the national legislature of the Russian Federation, should pay attention to this. After all, when the war ends and sanctions are lifted, Russians will be able to enjoy a Big Mac and fries once again. And REAL Coca-Cola!

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Jack Evensizer resides in Dalton Gardens and is a veteran of the U.S. Army Infantry.