What's happened
As of December 2024, tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, with both sides preparing for potential conflict. Analysts highlight the ongoing military actions and geopolitical maneuvers that could lead to a larger war involving multiple nations.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Scotsman argues that while fears of a large-scale war are prevalent, the reality is more nuanced. Marjorie Ellis Thompson's letter emphasizes the effectiveness of the UK's nuclear deterrent, while another piece from The Scotsman outlines Putin's historical grievances and strategic calculations. The South China Morning Post highlights the ongoing military dynamics, noting that neither side is ready for a ceasefire, and that Europe remains committed to supporting Ukraine despite potential shifts in US policy under President-elect Trump. This contrast illustrates the complexity of the situation, with differing perspectives on the likelihood of escalation and the effectiveness of current strategies.
How we got here
The conflict between Russia and the West has intensified since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Ongoing military support for Ukraine and NATO's expansion have further strained relations, leading to fears of a larger conflict.
More on these topics
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.