The conflict between Russia and Ukraine appears to be broadening and deepening. While Moscow’s initial strategy of a swift coup de main to decapitate the Ukrainian government failed, Russia has had significant successes in the South and East. Some observers believe that despite Russia’s territorial gains, its army has been decimated, and Ukraine could even recapture some of the territories it has lost. But it is unclear whether Ukraine has a winning military option, regardless of how much assistance the West provides. Even if the current Russian offensive can be halted, Ukraine lacks the military means to force Russia to relinquish its territorial gains. If Russia is to be forced to end its aggression or even withdraw from the portions of Ukraine it has seized, this will have to come via other means. In particular, the Western sanctions campaign, which has already wreaked havoc on the Russian economy, must be intensified. I have written about expanding sanctions against Russia here.
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