Tuesday saw a surprise visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Kherson region of southern Ukraine. This action seemed to be intended to show his support for the region’s pro-Russian separatists and to promote Russia’s annexation of the area.
In Kherson, which was taken over by Russian forces in the early stages of the war in Ukraine, Putin was seen on Russian state television talking with local leaders and servicemen. He praised the soldiers’ “heroic” actions and said that they had “saved the people of Kherson from the neo-Nazis.”
Vladimir Saldo, the leader of the pro-Russian Kherson People’s Republic, was another person Putin spoke with and he made him a promise that Russia will “do everything to help the people of Kherson rebuild their lives.”
The visit occurs as international pressure on Russia over its involvement in the war in Ukraine is intensifying. A number of sanctions have been placed on Russia by the United States and its allies in an effort to harm its economy and compel it to withdraw its soldiers from Ukraine.
The Russian economy would be significantly impacted if the European Union decided to forbid the import of Russian oil.
Putin hasn’t indicated that he will end his conflict in Ukraine despite the sanctions. In fact, he has intensified his rhetoric and claimed that the West is attempting to “destroy” Russia.
Putin’s visit to Kherson is evidence that he has not changed his mind on annexing the area. Additionally, it shows that he is prepared to intensify the Ukrainian crisis to further his objectives.
The West must keep up the pressure on Russia and give Ukraine the assistance it needs to stand its ground. They can only hope to stop Putin from acting aggressively by doing this.
Putin’s visit to Kherson has important economic and humanitarian repercussions in addition to the political ones.
A significant agricultural industry, which is present in the area, has been severely damaged by the conflict. In Kherson, millions of people struggle with food insecurity and lack access to essentials.
Since the commencement of the war, the United Nations estimates that over 10 million people have been displaced within Ukraine. Women and children make up the great majority of the displaced people.
If the battle goes on, the humanitarian disaster in Ukraine will only become worse. The international world must use every effort to put an end to the crisis and assist the Ukrainian people in reestablishing their lives.
