It’s not just about the rising fuel prices
These past several weeks have been a nightmare — if not hell — not just for Ukraine and Russia, but for its neighboring countries in Europe, as well. Not to mention that because of this, anxiety and paranoia have reached an “all-time high” for all the other countries here on our side of the globe.
We may be far from the action where these tensions are actually taking place, but the skyrocketing fuel prices — for one — is an example of how the brunt has already trickled down on our very own shores.
Because of the conflict, experts say that price hike may surge up to P5 per liter of fuel in the next few weeks.
And if we further allow our anxieties to take hold of us and eat — if not devour us from the inside — there are even several scenarios how these things will eventually play out — according to experts.
Russian dissent
Because of Russia’s ongoing invasion in Ukraine, powerful countries like the United States and United Kingdom have already sanctioned the former Soviet Union. World monetary funds from big banks have already been cut, several big businesses have already severed ties with their Russian partners and international sporting events — a big source of income for its billionaires — have the country dropped from its lineup.
In turn, reports have said that its oligarchs — not just the masses — have already expressed their dissent against what their President Vladmir Putin is putting their country into as they slowly turn into the “world’s pariah.”
So far, 6,000 people in cities from Saint Petersburg to Moscow have been arrested. Plus, its various media outlets have already been shut.
Personally, these scenarios remind me of various scenes from Netflix’s hit television series, “The Last Czar” — a TV program about Russia’s last emperor wherein producers peppered it with “close to reality” scenes that — if you get research them — have actually plagued the country throughout its history.
Putin gets what he wants
Well, let’s say this pyschopath of a president actually gets what he really wants. What now?
Given their much superior weapons, air power and devastating use of artillery, it’s a big possibility.
But after deposing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the challenge — according to experts — would be getting a hold of a nation of 40 million people.
Putin gets greedy
Okay, let’s say Ukraine has already succumbed to the military might of Russia. Reports say Putin’s territorial ambitions is eyeing Moldova, a former Soviet state, next.
NATO confrontation
He must be careful, though. Since Europe is mostly surrounded by NATO countries, once only one is touched, harassed or provoked — in any way — it would be the whole continent going against him and his country.
In this scenario, a far bigger destruction is inevitable as nukes will now play a vital — and far more dangerous — part.
Military quagmire
With this kind of mess with the United States already entering the picture, the devastation will be doubly catastrophic. Hence, by this time, Russian ally China will likewise enter the picture. To weaken their forces, an attack on Taiwan is a likely scenario. Now, you probably know what will happen next.
Bane on our part
Instead of just worrying about the surging fuel prices on our own turf, the problem with sitting idly is that we get to imagine how all these scenarios could play out.
Perhaps, that’s the bane on our part as we aimlessly watch what’s happening in Europe from the comfort of our own homes. I guess, at this point, we could not help ourselves but ponder that if the pandemic — apocalyptic scenes we have come to only know existed in documentaries and in high school history books — happened in our lifetime — then, anything can happen.
As citizens of our own countries here in Asia, the most important thing to probably do now is be ready with whatever might happen. And ofcourse — pray.