Ukraine - A Dichotomy

“Truth is the first casualty in war”.

This seems to be the only truth about the Ukrainian war.

We are overwhelmed by the propaganda from both sides.

For some, the war started in February 2022, for others in 2020 when the 14th Eastern

European countries joined NATO almost doubling the number of their members. Or, in

2014 when Russia annexed Crim. Or, in 1999 when the first Eastern European

country became a member of NATO, or in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet

Union. Or even much earlier.

We see a massive supply of weapons to Ukraine.

It reminds us of Afghanistan – foreign fighters, soldiers of fortune, mercenaries,

Blackwater …

It is being “sold” as the war between the USA, Europe and NATO against Russia.

The good and the evil.

Hardly anyone seems to be interested in diplomacy, while Ukrainian people are

paying the price.

The refugees are arriving in the West in large numbers. There is no limit to West’s

generosity towards them. It is heart-warming.

With amazement, the refugees from other parts of the world are asking themselves

what did they do wrong?

This conflict has exposed the interdependency of the West and Russia on each

other. It has also exposed the discrimination, racism and hypocrisy which were

hidden under many pretences.

The oligarchs, who were welcomed with their billions, are now unwanted.

Why did Russia attack Ukraine in the first place? Do they have legitimate security

concerns? Why such chest-beating by the west? Is it meant to impose a liberal

world order? What outcome of the war can be acceptable to all parties? Can it

evolve into a world war?

This hybrid event is meant to discuss the dynamics of the Ukrainian war in history and

geo-political perspective - its origin, political roots, economic interests and impact on

the world.

Our speaker: 

Waheed Bhatti has been involved in students and trade unions during the time of his studies which included political science. He has always been a tireless voice against exploitation, discrimination and bigotry and has supported the struggles for democracy, human rights, gender equality and equal rights for minorities. These are precisely part of OPP's program and activities of which he is one of the founder members.  He has moderated several OPP Dialogues both at the VU and online. One of his core competencies is the skill to grasp the bigger picture and quickly bring the most complex situations down to a single issue.