Vladimir Putin’s nuclear sabre-rattling is spooking many in the West,but its main purpose may be to shape the approach of the incoming US president.
So far,it’s been a strategic shoulder shrug from the US and NATO,but an “avoid World War III” strategy could make authoritarian aggression more likely.
Since the end of the Cold War,Western nations have largely been able to assume a posture of strategic timidity. Ukraine doesn’t have that choice.
As Russia elevates its war effort to an industrial scale of horror,the US,Europe and Australia have been slow to respond. They could learn a thing or two about will from Ukrainians.
The year ahead is likely to be more unstable and violent than 2023. We need to be battle-ready.
Victory is an important concept in our understanding of war,but at the same time can be very difficult to define.
The brave village of Moschun is an emblem of Ukraine’s resistance and an illustration of its success in mounting a 21st century people’s war.
The Ukrainian strategic strike campaign is part of a co-ordinated series of campaigns that,in totality,are placing increasing pressure on Russia.
Few will shed tears for Prigozhin. He was a brutal monster who thought nothing of having his own soldiers murdered by sledgehammer,or having them sent in human waves to die on the battlefield.
The amazing people of the ADF understand they are subject to an unlimited liability in the service of their nation. Unfortunately,we have just learnt what that can mean.
The short but epic advance on Moscow by a mercenary gang has significant implications for Russia,its leader,and the Ukrainian conflict.