Punishments of Russia cut both ways for the West and may even be self-defeating. The European and U.S. economies are suffering a backlash in rising energy prices, shrinking corporate profits and inflation-induced economic hardships.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted the governance of the northern region, posing a threat to economic cooperation and risking military escalation. Changes to the framework and their effect on Russia are worthy of close attention going forward.

While the issue is complex for China and the EU, one attainable step would be to cooperate on humanitarian relief for Ukraine — delivering medical and sanitary supplies. They should also press for a cease-fire.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been costly, and Russia has reportedly requested assistance from China. The U.S. and its Western allies have also opened dialogue with Chinese officials, and Beijing now faces a fork in the road and whichever route it chooses will define international relations for a long time to come.

China may be on the rocks as it attempts to sort through its options and navigate the challenge that Russia’s invasion/war with Ukraine has created for them.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict undermines the prospects for prosperity and security around the world — and that includes China, whose economic development recent years had depended upon a stable external strategic environment.

Fast-moving events are forcing the United States to adopt a more cooperative posture toward China, whose help it needs to meet the expectations of the international community. Cooperation has assumed increasing real-world importance.

Arab countries in particular will play an important role as event in the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupt economic patterns. They may see an opportunity to regain stature in the international arena.

China-U.S. relations are feeling the strain of the conflict in Eastern Europe. China does not welcome war, but the United States must abandon its posture of coercion — forcing others to choose sides. Cooperation will be required to restore peace.

China-Russia ties have upper limits, which are defined by the interests of the Chinese people. Relations are constrained to areas that do no harm. No relationship should be allowed to take the people’s interests hostage.