Russia's global shadow: Kremlin's reach extends beyond Ukraine
"Russia is dragging the world into the war in Ukraine," alarmed the German daily "Bild," listing the main threads of this "mostly cold, but sometimes hot war."
According to the portal, the war conducted by the Kremlin against Kyiv is not limited to the territory of eastern Ukraine. The author of the text, Julian Roepcke, noted that "Ukraine is striking deeper inside Russia", and Russia is responding to this with actions worldwide and for various reasons.
The article emphasizes that, on the one hand, the Kremlin is looking for new supporters and weapons suppliers to continue the war of attrition. On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to punish or at least intimidate the West, which decided to side with the victims of Russian aggression.
Middle East
"Bild" also draws attention to the Kremlin's activity in the Middle East. Since the beginning of the conflict, Russia has been receiving kamikaze drones from Iran, and starting in 2023, it is also set to receive ballistic missiles. In return, Moscow reciprocates by selling weapons to Iran and providing licenses for weapons to terrorist militias supported by Tehran.
As a result, Hezbollah attacks Israel from Lebanon, using the latest Russian weaponry or Iranian arms. Kyiv also reacts to these actions by sending intelligence officers to Syria to fight there alongside local rebels against Russian forces and their allies.
In the Far East, Russia received one million artillery shells from North Korea for the war in Ukraine. In return, Putin visited North Korea and promised dictator Kim Jong-un security guarantees in case of a war with the democratic South. South Korea reacted nervously, promising that if Russia interfered in the Korean conflict, they, in turn, would massively arm Ukraine.
Central America
"Bild" also highlights Russia's actions in Central America. In mid-June, three Russian warships docked in Cuba, which Russian war bloggers on Telegram described as a "show of strength against the USA." According to Roepcke, this is a hidden message to Washington: if the USA decides to expand military forces on the territory of Ukraine, the Baltic countries, etc., or supports Russia's enemies, Russia will do the same but just 250 kilometres from the coast of Florida.
Africa
Roepcke reports that the Kremlin and former mercenaries from the Wagner Group have been supporting militias in Sudan for years. The Rapid Support Forces recently rebelled against the regime and took over a significant part of the country. In response, Ukrainian special services sent their representatives there to fight on the side of the regime against the separatists and the Russian mercenary army.
After months of intense fighting between the government in Khartoum, supported by Ukraine, and the rebels, backed by Russia, the ruling regime is gradually regaining control over the country's situation.
"Bild" also highlights Russia's actions in European Union countries. After the alleged arson of the Diehl factory in Berlin, "the Kremlin also opens a new front against the West," warns the daily. Whether this is an isolated incident or Putin intends to turn Europe into a new battlefield in his war with the West will be revealed shortly, Roepcke assesses.
