By Sunny Ikhioya 

It was meant to be a short, shock and awe operation. Attack Ukraine, establish a Russian domination, effect a change in the leadership and stop North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO,from gaining a foothold in the territory. The invasion took place on February 24, 2022. It is a clear four years and three months after, the war is stalemated. Somehow, Ukraine has managed to weather the heavy barrage from Russia to survive. 

For the first time in war history, might did not have it’s way. It was a battle of technology with particular reference to mass drone production and defensive capabilities to contain them. The government of Ukraine cried to the whole world for assistance with the USA as the biggest provider. Even at that, the response was still limited to weapons that could not penetrate deep into Russian territories,  but that was what President Joe Biden could afford for the people of Ukraine, until Donald Trump came on board with his own policies, which placed the Ukrainians destiny in their own hands. They have looked inward and are now manufacturing ammunition in their own country. 

They are now better placed to retaliate and inflict on Russia, what they have been receiving from them these past few months. Indeed, President Putin is now mooting the idea of bringing the whole war to an end. According to the BBC report “speaking after Saturday’s scaled-back Victory Day military parade in Moscow, he said: “I think that the matter is coming to an end” – referring to the “special military operation” in Ukraine – while condemning Western support for Kyiv.” What this implies is that Putin is already battle weary and fatigued. By reason of hindsight, he should have been a little patient with negotiations before starting a war. The David in Ukraine has now prevailed over the Russian Goliath. This war should have served as a lesson to other super powers, that winning a conventional war of today does not depend on the size of your armament but more of common sense and technology. It appears not everyone took notice of the lessons of the Ukrainian war, especially the president of the United States of America. His belief that America can do whatever it wants with no consequences was laid bare in the senseless attack of the State of Iran, together with the Netanyahu led Israel. 

The whole world is feeling the impact of that decision now and Donald Trump and his team are looking for a safe landing, albeit with great difficulty.  For the first time in World history, apart from Israel, no single traditional ally of America took part in the war with them. Canada, Great Britain, Australia and other NATO countries ignored the US appeal to join in the operation. Trump and Netanyahu attacked Iran and cleared out the leadership, including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This was meant to inspire a regime change from the people of Iran, but this action appears to have backfired as the resolute and passion-driven Iranian soldiers have chosen to fight on, for the dignity of their country and it’s people. They have imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital passage for World trade, especially in the area of oil and gas. They have used threats, physical force and other measures at their disposal but the Iranians have refused to budge. 

Donald Trump is meeting the the leader of the Chinese government Xi Jinping and it is expected that he will appeal to the Chinese leader to help influence Iran to open the hormuz strait. Now, Donald Trump is looking for a way to make peace and the Iranians are proving difficult in the negotiations. BBC again reported that “Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said Tehran’s proposal, sent via Pakistan, which has served as a mediator, included an immediate end to the war on all fronts, a halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and guarantees of no further attacks on Iran.” This explains how emboldened the Iranians have become, to be giving the USA terms and conditions to abide by, including their autonomy over the Hormuz strait. Before the attack, the strait was open to everyone, but now, Iran is collecting levy from every vessel that passes the strait, apart from their own and friendly nations like China. What is the lesson here? It clearly shows that no nation, no matter the size, population or armament capabilities can go it alone in this world without significant support from other nations. 

The Ukrainian leader once reminded Trump in the Whitehouse during his visit, that at a point in time every nation will need help, but Trump ignored that advice. It has not been too long since that meeting took place. As at today, at least 16 US military bases in the middle East have been damaged  at very huge cost to the United States government. Never underestimate what the enemy can do to you, no matter how small they appear to be. In the past, countries like Great Britain, France, Canada and other NATO forces would have their forces on the ground immediately the US strikes, but Trump has chosen to treat them, the collective, with disdain and he is paying a very heavy price for that. Even if the US decides to leave NATO, it will be to their regret in the near future, because Europe will rebuild on it’s capabilities, and the US will become insignificant to them. 

It is worthy to note how the Ukrainian defence capabilities are being sought after by the Middle East countries after seeing how they have contained the Iranian drones in the war with Russia.  Donald Trump is putting up a bold face to the world but he is facing challenges and losing support at the home front, because not a few of them are against his senseless war with Iran, with the mid-term elections coming up. The more the Iranian war is delayed, the more the Iranians are strengthened and the US and Donald Trump weakened. Trump has touted America as the number one super power of the world, but the whole world have equally seen that without support from major allies, the US cannot prosecute any big war to a successful conclusion.  

It is a lesson for mankind, it is through cooperation that a small cup of rice is boiled to fill a pot. If the world unites, it will be better for everyone. Now, even China will think twice before invading Taiwan or other smaller Asian countries. I think Trump is learning his lessons the hard way.  For us in Nigeria, what is the lesson? Resilience,  industry, focus, long suffering, patriotism and passion to deliver. We must look inward and encourage our scientists and scholars.  Enable them and give them challenges with set goals. We look too much for foreign help, with the level of our suffering, we should be delivering results by now.