There is essentially no doubt that the enemy has returned to a strategy of escalation.
Nothing new. The seizure of part of Georgia was “covered” by an attempt to annex Crimea. Crimea – with an attempt to capture all of Donbas. Donbas – with an attempt to conquer all of Ukraine.
It doesn’t succeed…
How to raise the stakes further?
There are three obvious options:
First – nuclear blackmail. Already tried in 2022. Got “slapped on the wrists.” The likelihood is low now.
Second – continue in Ukraine, focusing on terrorism against the civilian population. To force capitulation. They hope, but doubt it will work.
Third – actually attack, one way or another, NATO and EU neighboring countries, to scare Europeans and influence aid to Ukraine.
What is easier to do and “sell” to their subjects?
The answer seems obvious.
Don’t seek humanity or assessment of losses in those who have already crossed all boundaries. Their behavior is driven by absolutely neurotic thinking, where there is no place for logic – only sheer complexes.
This hysteria is from powerlessness and understanding where it is all going. And the future is entirely predictable. But the negative consequences are already present, and they will bring much more trouble.
Medicines through “negotiations” will no longer help. The neurotic will continue his criminal deeds as long as his strategy brings any gain.
He will not stop until forcibly stopped.
In the dry balance: until key European countries actually engage in the war on Ukraine’s side, the war in Europe will continue.
The only way to prevent the Russians from dragging the war out for years is to take several preemptive steps. Make these steps under more favorable conditions rather than waiting for the boot of the Russian soldier to step on your ground.
There is still a chance.
Perhaps there will finally be leaders who will not waste it.
Collage: RBC-Ukraine
