Ukraine: it's still happening

Day -499. WorldCup2018

We're under 500 days. I've only got to do this for another 499 days. Almost there.

I like the silly side of football, the transfer deadline day stories of yesterday being a good example, simply because those nonsensical stories are easy to get caught up in without any serious repercussions. An argument about whether Andros Townsend will be the most bought-and-sold player in England this year is hardly going to get anybody too worked up, other than getting frustrated at not being able to think of a good humorous riposte. Townsend, by the way, is still a Crystal Palace player and the window is now closed until the summer. Newcastle fans are probably a little unsure as to whether to be happy about that or not.

That lightheartedness contrasts very sharply with an ongoing story that many of us have forgotten: Ukraine. Last year I used to write a lot about Russia, hosts of the next World Cup, and it's questionable military and diplomatic tactics in Ukraine and Syria. If Ukraine qualify for Russia 2018 it is going to be very, very interesting if they have to play against Russia, in Russia. Football may bring people together but politics will trump this match and emotional reactions could reach dangerous levels. The Ukraine-Russia crisis may not be in the news daily anymore But it has not gone away. Russia will always deny that it has any military presence but it's "volunteers" and "off-duty soldiers" are still waging a war against the Ukrainian army. Today was the third day of heavy fighting between the two sides in the eastern region of Donbass that has left an unconfirmed amount of civilians dead and at least eight Ukrainian troops. It has also caused a huge amount of suffering for the residents of a couple of towns who are without electricity at a time when temperatures have plunged to -20C.

It is hard to see that there will be a diplomatic solution before the next World Cup. It is more believable to accept that when Vladimir Putin decides the time is right, he will escalate this war. And if he does it under the guise of ensuring peace before the World Cup that will be pretty disgusting.