An all-out effort should be made to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as it is damaging not only the two warring sides, but also deeply impacting the rest of the world, which is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides should be advised to bury their differences and come to the negotiating table. An amicable solution to hindrances blocking the path to peaceful co-existence must be found. In this context, the role of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is crucial in aiding and charting the way to peace. Nations desiring an early end to the war should stand firmly beside the UNSC to make the peace endeavour successful. Simultaneously, countries taking sides should be cautioned against instigating the war further. While China is supporting its erstwhile rival Russia, US-led NATO is helping Ukraine both militarily and materially, whilst ignoring the need for a peaceful environment for humanity to prosper. For instance, the sanction imposed on Russia by NATO aimed at weakening Moscow economically may soon create a new crisis in Europe with the onset of winter. This crisis may claim hundreds of lives by making it even more difficult for citizens to cope with the blistering cold in the wake of an unprecedented energy crisis. Clearly, the decision to impose sanctions on Russia is threatening to be counter-productive as the European nations depend heavily on the energy supply from Russia for their daily activities as well as for industrial production. The European economy is already troubled by the soaring cost of energy, despite the US’s assurance to supply gas to Europe by sea routes as the supply is insufficient to meet demand.
The energy crisis is one motive behind Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to call truce despite losing over 6000 sq. km of occupied territory to Ukraine. He is waiting for the crisis to worsen further in Europe which will fuel trouble for NATO nations and potentially prove beneficial for him. On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is upbeat after the success his army has achieved in the southern and northeastern parts of the country. But both may be terribly wrong in their calculations if Europe cannot find a way to manage the energy crisis effectively or the West stops supplying arms and essentials to Ukraine to avoid shortage of energy during the winter. In both cases, neither Putin nor Zelenskyy will emerge victorious as together they have vitiated peace. It is time now for all parties to work towards easing relations before the war is further exacerbated. Good sense should prevail and peace restored without further delay.
