For the first time Putin’s spokesperson Dimitry Peskov called the “special military operations” what it really is. A War.
Pundits were quick to point out the linguistic difference between special military operation and armed conflict and war, but this is academic irrelevant with the daily dosage of missile strike, killed and injured, maimed children and woman. These attacks have little impact, despite the planners argue psychological damage to the Ukrainians. The resolve of the Ukrainian people is expected to strengthen with each Russian missile.
Whereas European, pro-Russian commentators in Brussel are quick to call for the Kyiv surrender, the situation on the front has stabilized and both sides preparing for a summer offensive. What are the Russians fighting for?
According to Admiral Bauer, the NATO commander the Ukrainian defending their existence is relatively clear.
The Russian build up of 100,000 to 150,000 more troops is matched by the Ukrainians. But battles are more than bodies, they include artillery, support, and airpower. In the past weeks Russian launched a Russian a missile barrage knocking out critical infrastructure like dams, electricity support and targeted infrastructure.
But in response the Ukrainian produced Liutyi unmanned aircraft has a self-proclaimed range of 800 km far enough to strike in the rear of Moscow’s population centers. Then came the terror attack by the ISIS outlet Al-Amaq in Moscow and Putin was quick to point out Ukrainians were behind it. Never mind the obvious Ingushetia heritage and the IS linkages.
In an interview with the Council of Foreign Relations Professor Bruce Hoffman stated, “In testimony before Congress a year ago, U.S. Army General Michael Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, warned that ISIS-Khorasan, the branch claiming responsibility for the Moscow concert attack, could execute “external operations against U.S. or Western interests abroad in under six months with little or no warning.”
The method of the attack is the same, soft unprotected public venues, little security in place, disgruntled minority and a quick get-away. The similarity to the Mumbai attacks are striking. A missile strike against Sevastopol rounded the week of tensions off. The Ukraine has switched tactics of targeting with precision targeting after it had received new ‘storm shadow’ missiles from UK sources. The war will continue. Both sides harden their stance towards the other. One thing is for certain Russia will bleed its youth.
