Russia is sending its people online to boast about its fortunes. This is the conclusion to seeing live shows presented by citizens that may be Russian military personnel. The value in doing it is perceived to be a boost to reputation – and morale.
This is key for the Russian army. It needs to present a living attitude, or standard, so-called that brings to mind a modern Russia that supports its citizens. However, as more people die on the frontlines such tactics look increasingly desperate.
The Russia that we know of is not as historical as we presume, that’s if your dealings with it are purely on its modern terms. The Presidency of Russia is known as technically advanced for example, and it has a tight grip on the Russian people. Its level of control is far higher than in other Western democracies.
However, the Russian state itself is still riven with desires for older times or more brutal control. There are competing factions that want different forms of Presidency, but these are ideals for a dictatorship and not a more open rule.
The rumours swirl around the Kremlin, the seat of its power, that Putin has faced tumultuous times in his terms. These include his family disappearing from view, attempts at takeover, and internal conflict. This is not flattering for an administration of public relations.
In his latest missive on X, Ukraine’s President has launched a sideswipe at many Western approaches at diplomacy. He clearly knows what he wants.
He thinks we need to learn more about sanctions. The point is they stop more than just one person. It stops all the activity that goes into a war.
“Sanctions are powerful, when enforced. If loopholes are closed, missile components, including for ballistic systems, simply won’t reach Russia. Sanctions aren’t just about money. They’re about stopping the flow of deadly technology, the parts that enable Russia to produce these horrific weapons at scale.”
It won’t, however. In fact Russia’s military is complex. It cannot simply be shutdown. He’s right to say it flows, but Russia does it better than just that.
The aim of sanctions is to impose geopolitical limits. This still leaves the Ukraine front open. It’ll take more than stops in supply chains to win.
The Ukraine war is a difficult battlefield for President Zelenskyy. He’s got to confront multiple geopolitical realities. His advisors are intelligent but dynamics strain on Ukraine’s capability.
No-one wins by attrition. It won’t happen by drones. The intelligent moves are found in diplomacy. The negotiations are the most important part. The strength of his nation’s future is in these.
President Zelenskyy has hit out at Russia’s use of powerful weapons against civilian infrastructure. He cited power plants, transformers, and residential buildings as being the latest targets.
He said on X that Putin’s will is clear, saying “his only true message is written in destruction and death, delivered through every missile and drone Russia sends”. He asked for help in response.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has reiterated the difficulties his country faces. Yesterday he summed up the challenges Ukraine faced in the past week. He noted how many projectiles Russia had used against his country and its people.
“This week, our air defense forces have been working day and night to protect Ukraine’s skies from Russian terror. Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine. Throughout the week, Russia has used more than 800 guided aerial bombs, around 600 strike drones, and nearly 20 missiles of various types.”
He also thanked France, the US, Canada, Lithuania, and Sweden for their collaboration in his nations defence. He said these nations have provided assurances of multiple avenues of support, including air defence systems, ground support, and training.
In a post on X, Ukraine’s President claimed Europe could do more to help defend Ukraine’s airspace. Zelenskyy said Russian missile and drone strikes can be mitigated with European air defence systems.
Defence Intelligence have said a detachment of 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent into Russia to help in its fight against Ukraine is unlikely to prove successful.
“Russian and DPRK forces would almost certainly experience interoperability difficulties having not previously carried out joint military exercises. DPRK troops conducting combat operations would almost certainly have issues operating Russian equipment, integrating into Russia’s command and control structure, and working around the language barrier with Russian forces.”
Although such a move is meant to strengthen Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, it may suffer setbacks due to lack of previous cooperation, and language differences.
In a post on X, President Zelenskyy has called out Western partners over the misuse of parts in the Russian armoury. He’s said that “Western components” are being used in Shahed missiles.
He says that America, Europe, and China are to blame for the parts reaching Russia. He says thousands of missiles and drones have been sent into Ukraine using such parts.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has today summoned the Russian ambassador to the UK. It’s due to accusations of intimidation or harassment against the UK in Russia and activities to promote misinformation in Europe.
The FCDO allege Russia has attempted to do it to dissuade the UK from its support of Ukraine. Since the start of its fight against Russia in February 2022 we’ve provided moral, military, and financial support.
“The UK condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s unprecedented and unfounded public campaign of aggression against the UK, including the malicious and completely baseless accusations made against Foreign Office staff last week. This behaviour is in direct contravention to Russia’s obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
Lately Russia has also been accused of placing assets in the UK to disrupt our normal activities. Although it’s not directly linked to its war against Ukraine, its activities here are under constant review.
As of 24 February 2022 Russia has been attacking Ukraine.
The result of its war is telling in the statistics. In a recent report the UN has calculated via its refugee arm, the UNHCR, that as of April over 6 million Ukrainians are displaced in Europe.
The UNHCR have also undertaken practical work in Ukraine.
It’s supported efforts to repair houses, distribute emergency supplies, provide cash, legal support, and planning for winter fuel assistance. It’s also set up a Human Rights Center in the west of Ukraine.
Our confidence in the militaries of the West may need a review.
This is according to the results of a survey of over 4,500 adults in the UK published by YouGov, which found just 9% believe Ukraine have the advantage over Russia.
The stats are even worse in the case of Russia who have the confidence of 27% of the UK population. This is an abysmal result.
Any requests for more funding by the British Army may need to include a budget for new marketing materials, perhaps.