Russia was surprised, even though the growth of the troops was monitored in real time through the eyes of satellites for months, writes ‘s foreign journalist Mika Mäkeläinen.
If anything can be deduced from previous wars, the situation in Ukraine is likely to be more serious and sadder than the first scattered data show.
There are probably clearly more deaths than what the authorities and eyewitnesses have said, because comprehensive information has not been obtained from many areas.
Ukraine’s need for help is therefore greater than could be inferred from the news.
Although Ukraine had time to obtain arms assistance, especially from the United States and Britain, the rest of the world was largely late. In Finland, too, discussions have begun as to whether Ukraine should be helped other than financially.
Howitzers remained a dream.
Response rate – or rather slow response – recalls Afghanistan, which has the same population as Ukraine.
Western countries left the running leg when the Taliban unexpectedly appeared at the gates of Kabul last August. Yes, my own diplomats were brought to safety, but most Afghans suffered.
The United States warned of the attack many times, but the war in Ukraine also surprised. Russia acted faster and more blatantly than was imagined until the last minute, even though the growth of Russian troops was monitored in real time by the eyes of satellites for months.
Consequences of the Ukrainian war in Finland and for the rest of Europe are much more serious than in Afghanistan. The attacker is our neighbor, and the war is being fought a thousand kilometers from Finland.
Now the rate of reaction in the West is being reweighed. Today, Thursday, we will meet with all possible diplomatic configurations.
However, decision-making on sanctions will inevitably be slow, as dozens of countries will have to agree on countermeasures together.
Meanwhile, the Russian president Vladimir Putin there is no need to coordinate or ask anyone for permission to continue the attack.
This analysis is the first in a series that News continues during the Russian invasion. We aim to publish a brief but in-depth and in-depth analysis every day at around 12 noon.
You can discuss this topic until Friday, February 24 at 11 p.m.