The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began
in early 2014. Although, the Ukraine is still fighting to remain independent from
Russia, the nation will soon have to fight off the winter. Ukraine leaders have
become desperate for supplies as they are receiving little aid from separatist heavy
areas of the Ukraine. These separatist inhabited areas have potential to supply
a small portion of coal to provide to get the nation through the winter. It is
highly unlikely the separatist will provide any coal to the rest of the Ukraine.
Russia, is also making it difficult for Ukrainians to surviving the winter as
it has severed supplies of gas.
While Ukraine is attempting to build economic ties with
Europe, Russian opposition has slowed down the process. Keeping Ukraine tied to
the Russian economy for an expected 15 months as opposed to Ukraine joining the
Euro. The international monetary fund (IMF) has agreed to loan the Ukraine approx.
$18 billion dollars in aid which will be dispersed to the nation over two
years. Now, Ukrainian President Petro
Poroshenko turns to the United States for economic aid in a desperate time. President
Obama is ready and willing to commit 70 million dollars in non-lethal aid,
which also includes military training. Some members of the legislature may be
weary of voting to give more aid to Ukraine and impose more sanctions on Russia.
Due to a government system plagued with corruption and similarities to Russia’s
government.
In my opinion the people of the Ukraine are under dire
straits and need all the help they can get. Winter is coming, closer each day and will
take the lives of Ukraine as it did to Napoleon in his attempted conquest of
Russia. While Ukraine will be receiving money from the IMF as well as aid from
the United States, supplies of coal and gasoline will be pivotal in the Ukraine’s
survival until spring. Perhaps, President Obama should send coal and gasoline
as a portion of the $70 million he is willing to give as aid. In order to
slightly loosen the stronghold Russia has on Ukraine.
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