Post by account_disabled on Feb 20, 2024 7:35:23 GMT
“Financial Times” There is growing confidence in the Western alliance about the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. This belief is justified, but potentially dangerous. It is obvious that for Russia the occupation has gone much worse than most people in the West dared to hope. Western allies have surprised even themselves with the strength, speed and unity of their response, with the unprecedented sanctions imposed on Russia, and with the massive military aid they have given to Ukraine. Read also: The Champions League is back, Inter's possible line-up against Atlético The opposition protests, Rama leaves the country The great optimism in Washington and parts of Europe was clearly reflected in Joe Biden's controversial statement that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "can no longer stay in power".
It is widely assumed Brazil Telegram Number Data that the US president spoke in a rash manner, and that his aides were quickly forced to refute him. But his comments reflect the sentiment currently prevailing in Washington that some form of "regime change" in Russia is both conceivable and desirable. In fact, Putin's domestic and international position seems much shakier than before the invasion. But on the other hand, the less discussed reality is that the war also presents great and growing political risks for governments in the West. There is still a risk that Russia will continue the war for many months, with increasing death tolls and destruction of infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the effects of severing economic relations with Moscow will begin to become much more acute in Europe, in the form of rising prices, energy shortages, job losses, and the social impact of trying to manage up to 10 million Ukrainian refugees. America is less economically exposed than Europe to these effects. But the war began with inflation already at high levels in the US, and with a declining popularity of Joe Biden. Now the price of gasoline is going up, and that is always frowned upon by American voters. Meanwhile, energy bills for consumers and businesses in Europe were rising significantly even before the war. Now they will grow much more.
It is widely assumed Brazil Telegram Number Data that the US president spoke in a rash manner, and that his aides were quickly forced to refute him. But his comments reflect the sentiment currently prevailing in Washington that some form of "regime change" in Russia is both conceivable and desirable. In fact, Putin's domestic and international position seems much shakier than before the invasion. But on the other hand, the less discussed reality is that the war also presents great and growing political risks for governments in the West. There is still a risk that Russia will continue the war for many months, with increasing death tolls and destruction of infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the effects of severing economic relations with Moscow will begin to become much more acute in Europe, in the form of rising prices, energy shortages, job losses, and the social impact of trying to manage up to 10 million Ukrainian refugees. America is less economically exposed than Europe to these effects. But the war began with inflation already at high levels in the US, and with a declining popularity of Joe Biden. Now the price of gasoline is going up, and that is always frowned upon by American voters. Meanwhile, energy bills for consumers and businesses in Europe were rising significantly even before the war. Now they will grow much more.