| PYQ Relevance: Q (a): Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? lllustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. (b): Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: (i) Constitutional morality (ii) Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challanges of digitalization (v) Devotion to duty (UPSC IAS/2022) |
Mentor comment: Ukraine had recently launched a surprising military offensive into the Kursk region of Russia, capturing several hundred Russian soldiers and gaining control over approximately 1,000 square kilometers of territory. This move is seen as a bold tactic to shift the war dynamics and boost morale among Ukrainian forces and civilians. While Ukraine made gains in Kursk, Russian forces are advancing towards the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub. The capture of Pokrovsk could again escalate the political tensions reflecting Russia’s position in the ongoing conflict
Let’s learn!
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Why in the News?
Ukraine’s recent military incursion into the Kursk region of Russia outlines its tactical and political implications in the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian Incursion:
- Surprise Attack: Ukraine launched an unexpected offensive into the Kursk region, capturing several hundred Russian soldiers and seizing approximately 1,150 square kilometers of territory.
- Strategic Goals: The operation aims to divert Russian forces from their offensive in Ukraine, particularly around the critical city of Pokrovsk, which is under siege and vital for Ukrainian logistics.
What are the long-term implications of Ukraine’s capture of Kursk for future negotiations? • Territorial Gains as Leverage: By occupying Kursk, Ukraine has secured valuable territory that can serve as a bargaining chip in future negotiations. This strategic advantage is crucial, especially if Ukraine faces reduced military support from the West, particularly in the event of a change in U.S. leadership. • Pressure on Russia: The need for Russia to defend its territory in Kursk diverts resources from ongoing offensives in Eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donbas. This could weaken Russia’s overall military effectiveness and complicate its strategy, potentially leading to a more favorable environment for negotiations for Ukraine. |
Significance of Pokrovsk: It is formerly known as Krasnoarmiisk and Grishino, is a city and the administrative center of Pokrovsk Raion in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
- Key Logistics Hub: Pokrovsk’s capture by Russian forces would significantly enhance their operational capabilities in Eastern Ukraine, potentially leading to further territorial gains.
- Ukrainian Withdrawal: Ukrainian troops are being ordered to withdraw from Pokrovsk, indicating the pressure they face from advancing Russian forces.
Tactical and Political Analysis:
- Operational Secrecy: Ukraine’s successful execution of the incursion was attributed to exceptional operational security, which prevented leaks and allowed for a covert buildup of forces.
- Russian Response: Russia’s military has reacted slowly, focusing on containing the incursion rather than reversing it, revealing weaknesses in their intelligence and troop readiness.
- Increase in Bargaining Power: The incursion enhances Ukraine’s negotiating position for potential future discussions, especially with looming uncertainties regarding Western military support.
- Risks for Ukraine: While the offensive has been a tactical success, it poses risks of overstretching Ukrainian forces and facing significant losses in the overall region if Russia mounts a concentrated counterattack.
| Can India make Putin stop Russia’s War in Ukraine? India has been warming to the West in recent years, especially given rising border tensions with China, but, at the same time, India cannot disallow its relationship with Russia considering United States. India’s visit (in July 2024) comes as Ukraine pushes its initiative in Russia’s southwestern region of Kursk. • Humanitarian Concern: India during the recent talks with Putin in July, secured several concessions and seemingly chided the Russian leader over the war, calling the deaths of children killed in a Russian strike on a hospital “unbearable.” • Economic interests of India: Bilateral trade with Russia soared last year on the back of its energy purchases, with India in July topping China as the largest importer of Russian oil. PM Modi and Zelensky are expected to discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation” and sign multiple documents. |
Conclusion: The Kursk operation marks a significant shift in the conflict, with Ukraine demonstrating its capability to operate within Russian territory. Ukrainian offensive stands out and deserves and merits closer scrutiny because no country since Hitler’s Germany has ever invaded any part of Russia.
However, the long-term viability of this strategy remains uncertain as both sides prepare for ongoing military engagements.
