Putin’s objective for many is quite clear, firstly by winning the war in Ukraine, even if there were a truce today, he will control the largest proportion of the world’s natural gas, the largest coal reserves, and control the largest production of oil. By capturing at least 80% of Ukraine’s coastline he will have numerous ports in addition to those in Russia enabling the export of all types of fossil fuels to Europe and the Far East.,. In addition, within Ukraine’s coastal waters lie all its oil wells. With the final push he will also have the land bridge with Russia.
It does not stop there as between Russia and Ukraine they provide some 30% of the world’s wheat production, the largest percentage of sunflower oil, and a very large percentage of the raw materials used in producing fertilizer.
Russia may be holding our attention, but we should not forget the other major power that can control our whole way of life.
China has joined with Russia in order to push America and the West out of its spheres of interest. China has sought to avoid becoming too reliant on Russia for its fossil fuels by signing a deal with Saudi Arabia agreeing that all oil sales will be in the Chinese currency.
China will control many of the materials needed by the West to achieve its green policies. Consider the following…
“China’s production of many essential minerals, both directly—producing 63% of rare earths and 45% of molybdenum—and indirectly, by investing in lithium mines in Australia, platinum mines in South Africa, and cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
“More relevant, as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) notes, are strategic dependencies on specific critical minerals. In 1954, the U.S. was 100% dependent on imports for eight minerals. Today, the U.S. is 100% reliant on imports for 17 minerals and depends on imports for over 50% of 29 widely used minerals. China is a significant source for half of those 29 minerals.”
It will not be so much of a “Cold War” but more of a freeze out if Russia and China choose. The West within a decade or two could become the worlds new “Third World economies!
I have a series of three articles from which I have drawn my last two blogs, if you would like a copy of the original then please let me know.
Nigel
Paignton Probus Club 