Russia's Ukraine problem

 NY Times:

Can Ukraine Break Through Again?

A surprise advance this month exposed deep vulnerabilities in Russia’s overstretched military. Was it just the beginning?

The Russian military has largely failed in its initial attempt to take Ukraine, and it continues to lose ground in the area it still holds.  Putin is apparently mobilizing an additional 300,000 troops.  I suspect they will be no better than the ones who are losing to Ukraine. 

Mobilization Comes as Russia Suffers Humiliating Losses in Ukraine

  • In a speech, President Vladimir Putin railed against the West for providing Ukraine with weapons, and made a veiled nuclear threat.
  • A Russian official put the number of new call-ups at 300,000. Ukrainian officials and Western nations said the move by Mr. Putin reflected his desperation.

He is clearly desperate not only because he is losing in Ukraine, but also because he is losing support within Russia. 

See, also:

Western powers deride Vladimir Putin's lurch toward 'sham' referendums

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