Heading to war
The MH17 incident led to a month of diplomatic manoeuvring between Russia, NATO, USA, and EU which was called the July Crisis. Believing that Russian military personnel was involved in the downing of MH17, and wanting to finally end Russian interference in Eastern Ukraine, EU and USA delivered to Russia the July Ultimatum to disarm the rebels forces. When Russia did not response, EU and USA completely terminated every exchange of cash and products with Russia on 28 July 2014. The Russian Empire, unwilling to allow EU to eliminate its influence in the Ukraine, and in support of the pro-russian “self-defence” forces, ordered a partial mobilisation one day later, 29 July. NATO mobilised on 30 July, and Russia responded by declaring a full mobilisation that same day. NATO imposed an ultimatum on Russia, through its Secretary General in Brussels, to demobilise within 12 hours or face war. Russia responded by offering to negotiate the terms of a demobilisation. However, NATO refused to negotiate, declaring war against Russia on 1 August 2014.
Tagged with: Third World War