The Latest Russia And Ukraine News It has long been referred to as a ‘special military operation’ by the Russian government. Western officials have warned that on May 9, 2022, Russia will declare war on Ukraine – nearly two months after it first invaded. Ukraine has also expressed concern that Russia could escalate its attacks on Ukraine on May 9, a day that commemorates the Soviet victory over the Nazis in World War II.Putin and his colleagues publicly addressing the conflict in a very different way if Russia declares war. In a five-part series on an actual war declaration, our international relations scholar Michael Allen answers five questions.

 What is the significance of May 9?

In Russia, May 9 is Victory Day, commemorating the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. Victory Day celebrations in Russia date back to the 1960s, but during Putin’s reign the event has become an elaborate show with military troops and vehicles on parade, as well as military aircraft flybys live on television.

On Victory Day, why would Putin declare war?

The false portrayal of the war as one against the Nazis might lead to Putin declaring war on Victory Day. Putin wrongly claims that Nazis control Ukraine, and that Russia is removing them from power as a way to denazify it. Taking part in this annual celebration is now another way to persuade the Russian people that the high costs of war – both financially and in terms of human life – are justified. Second, US officials believe that Putin wanted to announce victory in Ukraine on Victory Day in 2022. The Russian military has not performed as expected and has not been able to capture Kyiv as quickly as expected. Rather than highlighting Kiev’s besieged eastern city of Mariupol, Ukrainian intelligence expects Russia to do so during Victory Day celebrations. As opposed to being confronted with military setbacks, Putin can use Victory Day to motivate the Russian people to support a larger and more sustained war.

 Russia’s invasion is already a war, is it not?

War is defined differently by different conflict scholars, but the Ukrainian conflict can be classified as a war. One of the most commonly used definitions of war is the identification and measurement of conflict types, according to the Correlates of War project, which was spearheaded by American scholars. In addition, the war between countries must result in at least 1,000 battle-related combatant deaths within a twelve month period, as defined by this project. In addition, there must be effective resistance on both sides. Unlike low-intensity conflicts, sporadic fighting and government-led massacres, this term does not encompass the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, for example. It is yet to be referred to as a war by Russia.

About The Latest Russia And Ukraine News Already is Russia at war?

Declaring war creates a legally defined conflict. There have never been legal wars. Since 1816, the United States has fought 13 wars, but Congress has declared war in just four of those conflicts. Countless factors prevent countries from declaring war. In general, populations are less likely to support a conflict if it is likely to be costly and result in many civilian and military casualties. A population is more likely to support a conflict if it is seen as limited and short. According to research, public support for war does depend on how expensive it appears to be – but this is less true for people who are nationalistic and likely to support war regardless of the cost.

It may invite further international scrutiny if Russia acknowledges it is in a formal state of war. In some international treaties and international organizations, legality and illegality of war have been defined. Engaging in a war of aggression against a sovereign country is one of the more serious crimes under international law. Likewise, both the United Nations Charter and the International Criminal Court seek to forbid and punish wars of aggression — meaning conflicts that are not justified by self-defense. By declaring war, Russia supporters like China would also find it harder to deny that Russia invaded Ukraine and is at war with it. Defying neutrality may become more difficult for other nations.

Live updates Russia-Ukraine war:

• An official from Ukraine who revealed details about life in Russian-controlled Kherson has been arrested, officials said.
• A cartel upside-down is created by Biden to counter Putin.
• Russia’s president strengthens ties with Central Asia on his first foreign trip since the invasion of Ukraine.
• As part of NATO’s preparedness, the U.S. plans to deploy two new Navy destroyers. The day after it attacked a shopping mall, which killed eight civilians, Russia strikes fresh civilian targets.
• A man has been arrested in Ukraine on suspicion of aiding a deadly attack.
• The new U.K. army chief describes the war as a “37-like moment.” Observations.