READ BEFORE YOU PROCEED:
D2G wears no responsibility of the views published here by the respective Author. This Editorial is used here for Study Purpose. Students are advised to learn the word-meaning, The Art of Writing Skills and understand the crux of this Editorial.
MEANINGS are given in BOLD and ITALIC
Russia’s claim that it had blocked attempts by Ukraine-backed saboteurs (a person who intentionally causes the destruction of property) to carry out terror attacks in Crimea is the new flash point (trouble spot) between the two countries. Ever since the annexation (addition of something) of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, Moscow has had a heavy military presence in the peninsula. Russian President Vladimir Putin has now issued a stern (disagreeable) warning to Ukraine against “supporting terrorists”, while Kiev has put its army on combat (a battle ; a fight) alert. It is not clear who is actually behind the latest flare-up (to burn brightly again). There are two theories afloat (floating). One is that Mr. Putin is talking up the attack in Crimea to up the ante against Ukraine. The episode allows him to portray (describe) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, an ally of the West, as a supporter of “terrorists”.
The other theory, the official Russian version, is that militants (combative ; adamant) and Ukrainian special forces were indeed involved in the sabotage (a deliberate action aimed at weakening an enemy) attempt, and two Russian soldiers were killed in exchange of fire. For now, there are independent reports confirming that there was a firefight on the Crimea-Ukraine border on Saturday night. Militants had targeted Crimea earlier as well. Last November, anti-Russian saboteurs had blown up electrical pylons, plunging Crimea into darkness.
The real question is whether such militant groups have the direct support of the Ukrainian government. If so, Ukraine may be committing a major mistake. Retaking Crimea from Russia using force is simply not practical. What it could possibly do is to destabilise (to make something unstable) Crimea by violent means. But even this won’t serve Ukraine’s interests as violence in Crimea by external forces is likely to prompt (punctual ; quick) Moscow to step up proxy (a substitute authorized to act for another) wars in Eastern Ukraine, destabilising the country further.
Russia sees Ukraine as a front of the West in a larger geopolitical game, and is unlikely to make major compromises unless there is a deal between itself and Western countries over Ukraine. Kiev is but a small player caught in a great power game. It should make its choices carefully as ties with Russia could be pivotal (being of crucial importance; central key) for its survival as a stable, peaceful nation in the long term. The West has to realise that its belligerent (eager to go to war) response towards Moscow over the annexation of Crimea, including sanctions (approval ; contract), has only complicated the crisis further. It should rethink its policies and enter into meaningful talks with Moscow to dial down tensions over Ukraine.
Restoring trust between Russia and the West is crucial in tackling several other global challenges as well, including the Syrian civil war and the fight against the Islamic State. For its part, Russia has to get its priorities right. What is it gaining from destabilising a tiny neighbouring country and damaging its own position as a global power when its economy is bleeding? There is room for all actors to make compromises in their mutual interest.
