Ukraine-Russia conflict killing 362 children could escalate to 'security dilemma ' - expert

Following the six-month mark of Russia 's invasion in Ukraine, Dr Lily Hamourtziadou, senior lecturer in Criminology and Security Studies at Birmingham City University, has warned that the ongoing conflict, killing 362 children, could lead to a 'security dilemma '.

Dr Hamourtziadou (pictured), said: “Six months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on Ukraine 's Independence Day, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recorded 5,587 civilian deaths in the country, 362 of them were children.

“Most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects, including shelling from heavy artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, missiles and air strikes. Ukrainian civilians are being forced to flee the country en masse. An estimated 3.8 million people have already fled into neighbouring countries.

“The Russian forces ' assault on civilian populations and the destruction of Ukraine 's civilian infrastructure violates international humanitarian and human rights law. In Russia there is a nationwide crackdown on independent journalism, anti-war protests and dissenting voices. Anyone caught spreading what it regards as 'fake news ' about the conflict faces a prison sentence of up to 15 years. At least 150 critical journalists have fled the country so far.

“NATO member nations have been sending weapons, ammunition, and many types of light and heavy military equipment to Ukraine, including anti-tank and anti-air systems, and drones. According to Secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg, NATO is helping Ukraine 'uphold the right to self-defence ' and is preventing the war from escalating beyond the country. But more needs to be spent on defence, he added, as 'we live in a more dangerous world '.

“While Europe has a lot to fear from a strong Russia, especially six months into an invasion that has shown Putin 's total disregard for civilian life and security, increasing the threat to Russia with the aim of increasing our security could lead to a vicious circle known as the 'security dilemma ', a recurring problem of international politics.

“This is a situation in which actions taken by one side wishing to increase its security cause reactions from the other side, which sees a rising threat to its security, leading to a decrease in security instead, and escalation rather than de-escalation.

“It has been argued that NATO 's expansion eastwards was perceived by Russia as a threat to its security, causing it to invade Ukraine and to consequently become a great threat to European security. Any actions taken by Europe or NATO in support and protection of Ukraine only confirm to Russia that the West is indeed a threat to its security, thus enabling Putin to continue to attack. It is indeed a dilemma and an urgent one, with no easy answer, as the unarmed population continues to pay the price. ”