Challenges to Resolution

Question 1

Identify 2 challenges to resolution

Answer 1

1. Ukraine’s lack of military power.
2. States acting in their own interests, prioritising national interests over moral or ideological considerations.

Question 2

Ukraine’s lack of military power Explanation

Answer 2

This disparity makes it extremely difficult for Ukraine to sustain offensives or reclaim occupied territories, thereby prolonging the war and contributing to a military stalemate, where Ukraine can prevent further Russian advances but lacks the strength to reclaim all occupied territory.

Question 3

Ukraine’s lack of military power statistics

Answer 3

A key issue is the imbalance in troop numbers: Ukraine has approximately 500,000 active military personnel compared to Russia’s estimated 1.3 million.

Question 4

States acting in their own interests, prioritising national interests over moral or ideological considerations.

China statistics

Mongolia example

Answer 4

Russian crude oil now accounts for 21% of Chinese fossil fuel imports since 2022 a 6% increase from 15% in 2021 (Economist Intelligence Unit).

In 2023, bilateral trade between the two nations surged to a record $240.1 billion, marking a 26.3% increase from the previous year. (Chinese economic review)

President Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, “China is willing to forge a closer partnership with Russia on energy issues to ensure global energy security.” (Nasdaq)

Allowing Putin to visit in 2023 despite being signed into the Rome Statute.

Question 5

States acting in their own interests explanation

Answer 5

When influential states continue to trade with Russia, especially in energy and critical goods, it reduces the effectiveness of sanctions imposed by the West and allows Russia to sustain its war effort economically. This weakens the leverage needed to bring Russia to the negotiating table or to force concessions, thereby prolonging the conflict.