Experts think tensions between Russia and the UK are a new Cold War. The Soviet Union had collapsed at the end of the 1980s but Russia still holds its ideology. The struggle for power has nothing to do with ideologies as it was during the Cold War.
The case of poisoning the ex-Russian spy, British citizen currently, echoed tensions between the UK and Russia, it was a violation of the UK’s sovereignty and the international law. The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, accused the Kremlin of being involved in the assassination, expressing her sorrow that Putin was directly involved in the killing of Skripal and his daughter.
The UK doesn’t want to become a lawless “Banana republic”. After a similar event in 2006, and the Brexit, the British felt stronger nationalism and want to guarantee influence on the international stage.
Russia did not have many options in dealing with the UK’s deadline to deliver the serum that treats the nerve gas. Delivering the serum is an obvious recognition of Russian involvement in the assassination and will lead to link the 2006 act to it. This will deteriorate the image of Russia, as it is preparing to host the World Cup, and will damage its role in combating terrorism in Syria.
The UK described the attack as a hostile act. London decided to expel 23 Russian diplomats who have been identified as undeclared intelligence officers. May confirmed that there will be no attendance by ministers or indeed members of the royal family at this summer’s World Cup in Russia. Freezing all Russian-owned assets in the country is the most serious step taken by the UK, although its limits are still unknown. The UK will monitor and track the intentions of Russians travelling to Britain who could be engaged in activities that threaten the security of the country. It has also warned its citizens travelling to Russia to be cautious, this means weakening Russia’s tourism.
Economic alternatives to the Russian gas could be considered. The UK will head to the Middle East to import gas from Israel, Qatar, and Iran through pipelines. Gas has been a point of conflict in Syria.
The UK took the crisis to the UN and the NATO. It has called the UN to address the Russian aggression on its territory using chemical weapons. A request was sent to the NATO to support the UK in face of the Russian violation. The alliance welcomed the demand.
Theresa May spoke of “secret measures” being taken and decided to suspend all planned high-level bilateral contacts between the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation.
The US took advantage of its anger against Russia to defame Russian intervention in other countries. This incident provided an ideal opportunity to respond indirectly to Russian intervention in the US elections. The Trump administration wants to retaliate against many Russian positions in the Security Council. Russia had recently used the veto to block the draft resolution on Iran.
“The United States believes that Russia is responsible for the attack on two people in the UK,” Haley said in her remarks at a UN Security Council emergency session. “If we don’t take immediate concrete measures to address this now, Salisbury will not be the last place we see chemical weapons used,” said Haley. She added that “one member stands accused of using chemical weapons on the sovereign soil of another member. The credibility of this council will not survive if we fail to hold Russia accountable.”
The US-Russian tensions have been intensifying because of the threats that the US will launch attacks against Syrian army spots. Russia is concerned about its military advisers working in Syria. Following his declaration of possessing new weapons superior to others in the world, Putin confirmed that Russia will respond to any attack on it or on any of its allies.
This is a battle of pride and influence. Since Putin took power, Russia has been expecting this day to come. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, confirmed that “Russia is not involved in this incident.” He said that Russia is not afraid and has nothing to hide. The UK has given 24-hour for Russia to recognize the crime and this is an unacceptable language, he added.
What is happening is probably a new conflict between two major powers, a conflict that may influence other regions and files.
