Now that the Congress has passed a supplementary aid package for Ukraine and its significance as a political football has diminished, Ukraine isn’t nearly as much in the news. I have no idea what’s actually going on there. Some sources tell me that Russia’s offensive is on the verge of collapse. Other sources tell me that Ukraine’s defense is on the verge of collapse. One source will say that the Ukrainians have halted Russia’s advance on Kharkiv. Another source tells me that Russia has already accomplished its objective in Kharkiv.
It does seem to be the case that Ukrainian drone attacks are wreaking havoc on Russian facilities in Crimea and nearby Krasnodar.
I found this analysis by Benjamin Jensen and Elizabeth Hoffman at the Center for Strategic and International Studies somewhat depressing, calling as it does for Ukraine’s maximalist objectives which I believe to be out of reach. Even more depressing has been Robin Brooks’s analysis of how our European allies are keeping Russia’s war effort humming, redirecting what were formerly exports to Russia to Kyrgyzstan where they are, predictably, shipped to Russia. Looks like they’re working both sides of the street to me.
Escalation continues.
So what I think is inevitable is finally being seriously discussed.
From the New York Times, As Russia Advances, NATO Considers Sending Trainers Into Ukraine.
The administration will say no until blue in the face until Nov; but its the obvious (and maybe only) answer to the manpower shortage Ukraine has.
If the U. S. doesn’t send troops, I doubt that any other NATO country will. If they’re still trading (by proxy) with Russia, why will they send troops?
They are “trainers”, “advisors”, “contractors”; not “troops”.
“why will they (other NATO countries) send troops”.
I presume it would be cover / peer pressure so the US can move in their military personnel.
I think it’s one of those periods where we don’t know exactly where the ball is going to roll. Either way, I don’t expect the ball to roll very far.
Policy wise, Ukraine and Western escalation there is the clearest distinction between our Presidential presumptive nominees.
It’s almost too bad that we don’t have a draft because Americans are not discussing or debating our involvement in the conflict.
Not really paying attention as we sleep walk into war.