ANALYSIS – Ever since Russia began massing forces near Ukraine several months ago, like many others, I have been engaged in discussions with various senior military leaders and strategists pondering what Vladimir Putin’s end game might be. Some believed he was blustering to gain some minor concessions from Ukraine, such as a ‘no-NATO’ neutrality pledge, or pledge to not base offensive weapons. Others thought he was positioning for a minor incursion to teach Ukraine a lesson and gain more control over the eastern breakaway regions nominally under Moscow’s thumb.
Is Putin's Goal to Seize Ukraine's Energy Riches?
Is Putin's Goal to Seize Ukraine's Energy…
Is Putin's Goal to Seize Ukraine's Energy Riches?
ANALYSIS – Ever since Russia began massing forces near Ukraine several months ago, like many others, I have been engaged in discussions with various senior military leaders and strategists pondering what Vladimir Putin’s end game might be. Some believed he was blustering to gain some minor concessions from Ukraine, such as a ‘no-NATO’ neutrality pledge, or pledge to not base offensive weapons. Others thought he was positioning for a minor incursion to teach Ukraine a lesson and gain more control over the eastern breakaway regions nominally under Moscow’s thumb.