This perspective deserves more attention. The demonstrable flaws in the Russian military is shown in the name Russian itself. This is not the Soviet Union that was the structure during Putin's career as a junior officer coming up through the ranks. With only the Russians, Putin needed conscripts and mercenaries. Not all of those elements blended well together. The Command and Control failure is shown in the number of general officers in the front lines who were KIA. The accuracy of the rumors of Putin's apparent illness will be shown to be true one way or the other. How that stirs the mix is TBD.
Thanks, Walt. On point two, I do think Putin believes Russia can outlast a decadent, divided and declining West that’s beset by inflation and distracted by Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. He might be right. But as the Survival piece says, restoring morale and rebuilding the military isn’t possible without rooting out the rot that infects the entire Russian oligarchy. I wouldn’t bet on that.
John.
This perspective deserves more attention. The demonstrable flaws in the Russian military is shown in the name Russian itself. This is not the Soviet Union that was the structure during Putin's career as a junior officer coming up through the ranks. With only the Russians, Putin needed conscripts and mercenaries. Not all of those elements blended well together. The Command and Control failure is shown in the number of general officers in the front lines who were KIA. The accuracy of the rumors of Putin's apparent illness will be shown to be true one way or the other. How that stirs the mix is TBD.
Enjoyed the piece.
Dave Olson
Thanks, Walt. On point two, I do think Putin believes Russia can outlast a decadent, divided and declining West that’s beset by inflation and distracted by Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. He might be right. But as the Survival piece says, restoring morale and rebuilding the military isn’t possible without rooting out the rot that infects the entire Russian oligarchy. I wouldn’t bet on that.