2025 is a crucial year for the world. The global theme of peace is being reaffirmed once again. The military environment in the Middle East region has already taken the lives of thousands.
Since the day Israel began its attack on terrorist targets along the Gaza coast, the entire Middle East has turned into a region of war and fear. A sense of military threat also grips countries like Iran and Yemen. Meanwhile, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia persists, with no end in sight, showing signs of further military developments.
Additionally, the outcome of the American presidential election, particularly the potential return of Donald Trump, has become a crucial factor. His promise to swiftly end the ongoing military conflicts has drawn global attention. Moreover, the relations between prominent Asian powers like China and India have not yet developed positively. They continue to enhance their military and economic strengths in a way that challenges one another.
Chinese President’s New Year Wishes
The Chinese President’s wishes for the New Year are very significant. It has been stated that this year should be devoted to promoting world peace. This message from the Chinese President also pertains to Russia, China’s political ally. Accordingly, the Chinese President indirectly provides hints to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In February 2022, Putin’s army engaged in conflict with neighbouring Ukraine. Following that decision, China’s approach changed. China opted for a middle path instead of taking a side like the United States or other Western nations. The invasion of Ukraine has allowed Russia to showcase its position in global politics. There are emerging indications that Putin could play a key role in altering the landscape of global politics in 2025.
The Ukraine Invasion: A Calamity for the World
Vladimir Putin was appointed acting president of Russia in 2000. Since then, he has begun to expand his power. His nearly twenty-five years in political life have seen him play various roles.
Putin, who became president in 1999, won the elections three months later. Former President Boris Yeltsin had urged him to take good care of Russia. Since the descent into war with Ukraine, Ukraine has lost about 20% of its territory.
Additionally, around 10 million Ukrainians have been displaced. Meanwhile, Russia has also not been spared from the bitter consequences of the war. The death of a large number of Russian military personnel in the conflict against Ukraine is a significant factor.
Drone attacks consistently target Russian cities. Some parts of Russia have come under the command of Ukrainian forces. Russia faces numerous economic sanctions, which have severely pressured its economy. The lives of the Russian people have become increasingly strained.
In this context, Ukraine has also blocked the gas supply pipeline from Russia to Europe, which has exacerbated the crisis further. This decision does not benefit Ukraine, Russia, or Europe.
Russia is losing the economic advantages it once gained from gas sales, with estimated income losses at around five billion U.S. dollars. Additionally, Ukraine is left without transit fees, and Europe faces a gas fuel shortage. As transit fees, Ukraine has lost around 800 million U.S. dollars. Russia is the leading gas supplier to Europe, and the situation is now precarious for all involved.
The Ominous Hint from President Putin That Alarmed the World
Moreover, there have been indications that the war will not end in Ukraine. Putin emphasised this in 2024. The Russian President also threatens the United States as the leading Western power. He stated that the Ukraine war could escalate into a global crisis by the end of the past year. This is a very alarming statement that puts the entire world on edge.
Russia has now completed training soldiers to strike Japan and South Korea. In the context of revealing Russia’s global military plans, the Russian President’s statement has become a pressing matter.
It has now been disclosed that Russia has identified 160 targets that should be hit in Japan and South Korea. Among these targets are civilian residential areas and 82 military sites. This is part of a long-term plan reportedly underway since 2008.
Donald Trump’s Promise
A proposal to temporarily resolve the Ukraine war by delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership by ten to twenty years has been made. However, Vladimir Putin believes this will not be sufficient.
During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump continuously criticised American military aid to Ukraine, stating that the war could be ended in just one day. Many political analysts have expressed the belief that the war would conclude during Trump’s presidency, and this has become a widely held notion globally. Trump also ensured that plans regarding Ukraine were not disclosed.
After winning the election, Trump stated that resolving the Russia-Ukraine war would be easier than addressing the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis. This indicates that Trump recognises Russia’s unusual position in the global political arena.
Russia’s Strategy and the Global Community’s Perspective
Russia does not possess sufficient military power to challenge the United States. However, it is actively enhancing its diplomatic relations with various countries, making special efforts to strengthen ties with numerous nations, including those in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The Russian President is managing to fulfil Russia’s needs in global politics while keeping the country’s political climate unchanged. It is unclear where China stands in this context. Nevertheless, China does not exhibit a favourable attitude towards the growing friendship between India and Russia.
Ultimately, one might reflect on the Chinese President’s New Year wishes. His theme is a commitment to world peace. It is also clear that no one among the global population desires a militaristic environment.
Therefore, the world does not want war or aggression. The global community prays for peace. Accordingly, it is the Russian President’s responsibility to engage in actions that reflect a genuine interest in peace, particularly towards his friend, the Chinese President.
