MICHAEL WALSH CORRESPONDENT

ENIGMA: The confrontation on the high seas between Russia and the United States that confoundedly never happened.

The UN is ineffective if the law of the United States is superior to international law.

This is particularly true for the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea. It indicates that the UN no longer serves its intended purpose.

The question the world waits for an answer.

Why did Russia, a leading nuclear power, submit without as much as a whimper? Washington seized a Russian-flagged vessel contrary to international law.

The Kremlin, through a dozen agencies, had the military means. It also had the political clout to prevent the American seizure of a vessel. This vessel was legally plying the high seas, making such an operation a no-go for Washington.

Russia, seen as a toothless tiger, loses face in the world

 One would expect inaction and cowardly submission from any nation other than a world power. On the other hand, it might be argued wisely. The loss of an ageing tanker isn’t worth sparking World War III.

However, all know that appeasement and total surrender of sovereign rights always lead to war and defeat.

If Putin can’t defend a tanker, how can he defend Russia?

LEFT The Reich, half the size of Texa,s put up a bigger fight for its survival. Click picture for details.

If the Kremin cannot come to a Russian-flagged and crewed vessel, it cannot defend Russia.

The Pied Piper of War

Like the Pied Piper, Donald Trump seems more drugged up than his protégé, Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky is the faux president of war-torn Ukraine. Trump has started nine conflicts on his own count in just 12 months.

Not a whimper of protest

Yet, there isn’t a whimper of protest from any of the great powers. This, whilst the US president, playing his pipes of despair, seems intent on capping US hegemony with the world’s crown

The Kremlin alone can know the reason for what can only be seen as a humiliating submission.

All the rest of us can do is wait. We hope that a Trump-sparked war to end the world can be avoided. Such a war would be far worse than World War II and its 100 million casualties. Michael Walsh.

Thank you for sharing our stories on social media. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK