Title: Putin's Silence on the War in Ukraine: Time is Not on His Side Russian President Vladimir Putin has been facing scrutiny for the almost silent approach he has been taking towards the ongoing war in Ukraine. With the recent publication of an article by Anton Troianovski and Paul Sonne in the New York Times highlighting Putin's neglect to address the issue publicly, it is increasingly clear that Putin is hoping time is on his side. However, this approach is ultimately a flawed one that could lead to long-term consequences for both Russia and Ukraine. It is no secret that Russia has been heavily involved in the Ukrainian conflict from the outset, providing military support to separatist rebels in the region. However, Putin has been hesitant to acknowledge the extent of Russia's involvement, instead presenting himself as an observer to the conflict rather than a key player. As Troianovski and Sonne point out, this approach appears to be part of a larger strategy, with Putin hoping that by staying silent, the conflict will eventually fade away on its own, with little long-term consequence for Russia. But this approach is misguided. The war in Ukraine has already caused significant damage to the relationship between Russia and the rest of the world, leading to sanctions and diplomatic isolation. In addition, it is unlikely that the conflict will simply fade away on its own. So far, the fighting has only intensified, with both sides suffering significant casualties and no end in sight. Ignoring the conflict now may seem like a viable short-term solution, but in reality, it is setting Russia up for long-term damage. By neglecting to address the situation and continuing to provide military support to the rebels, Putin is ensuring that the conflict will persist, potentially leading to further escalation and damage to Russia's international reputation. Ultimately, Putin's silence on the war in Ukraine is not a strategy that will lead to success. The conflict is complex and difficult to resolve, but ignoring it will only lead to further damage. It is time for Putin and the Russian government to acknowledge their involvement in the conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution before it is too late. Time is not on their side.
