In my high school literature Class, Chinue Achebe’s Things Fall Apart was one of set books. And one clause, the main character, Okwonko, murdered captured boy Ikemefune so not to be thought weak, this what is ailing Russia President Vladimir Putin, after America produced through high edge cutting technology three out of top five Covid-19 jabs, namely; Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
That aside, President Putin might face the humiliation Nicholas 11 who became Russia’s tsar in 1894 suffered in 1904-5 when he went to war with tiny Japan. Everyone expected the tiny Japanese nation to be completely beaten by the mighty army and navy of Russia. But first the Russians were defeated on land and then their Pacific fleet destroyed.
Determined to win, the government ordered the Russian Baltic fleet to sail half way round the world to teach the Japanese a lesson. After a seven months voyage the Baltic fleet faced the enemy ships off the island of Tsushima. Almost every Russian was sunk. The suffering and loss of life among the Russian crews were very great and the country felt ashamed at the defeat and triggered Nicholas 11 downfall.