The referenda of four Ukrainian regions on joining Russia started on Friday amid the US and Europe s strong opposition and pledges of more sanctions against Russia, while Chinese observers said the Russia-Ukraine conflict will enter a new phase, as Russia may maximize the use of the natural gas card and Europe is likely to taste the bitter results of tying itself tightly to the US.
Amid escalating pressure from the US and the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday a partial mobilization of the nation s military reserves, and pointed out that the West poses threats to Russia s existence, pledging to use all the instruments at its disposal to counter a threat against its territorial integrity as four regions in eastern Ukraine plan to hold referendums in coming days.
The US military may have reportedly for the first time in recent years allied with warships of other countries to transit the Taiwan Straits as it explores ways to flex its military muscles in fresh provocations in the region amid the tense Straits situation. Chinese experts said on Saturday that the reported move showed US incapability to contain China and that its efforts to rally allies to deter China s momentum of growing strength to maintain national unity are futile.