Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine continues on its 505th day, as Ukraine persists in its efforts to push back against Russian forces. The conflict, which has been characterized by heavy artillery use, has led to dissatisfaction with Russia’s conduct of the war. Despite this, Moscow is attempting to cope with the dissent among its own troops.
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that Ukrainian forces are using drones to gather intelligence on Russian positions. Last week, a reconnaissance team flew drones just half a mile away from the heavily fortified trench occupied by the enemy. The live-streamed video from the drones provided valuable information to Ukrainian gun crews and their commanders.
The Guardian highlights the experiences of foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine. Alan from England describes the difficult fighting conditions in the trenches, while Steve from the US has chosen not to register with his embassy. These foreign fighters join Ukrainian forces in their struggle against the Russian incursion.
RUSI examines the role of artillery in Ukraine’s counteroffensive and emphasizes the need for changes in its employment as Ukraine shifts from defense to offense. Artillery has been a crucial capability for Ukraine thus far, but adjustments must be made to unlock its full potential and overcome Russia’s fortified positions.
In a surprising development, a Russian general in charge of forces fighting in southern Ukraine has been relieved of his duties after speaking out about the problems faced by his troops. Major General Ivan Popov was fired after condemning the defense ministry’s treatment of soldiers involved in the Ukraine invasion.
This event has caused significant shockwaves within the Russian military leadership. The Telegraph describes Major General Ivan Popov’s outburst as an earthquake for Vladimir Putin, as it reveals a crack in the normally unified military hierarchy. The general’s credibility adds weight to his criticism of the defense ministry’s handling of the conflict, making it harder for Putin to dismiss his concerns.
The Atlantic Council speculates on the potential consequences of the Wagner revolt, suggesting that senior Russian officers detained following the uprising and the dismissal of a senior commander could lead to a mutiny within the Russian army. With growing dissent within the ranks, Putin may face challenges to his leadership from within the military.
In a surprising turn of events, a top Putin crony was caught berating his audience and cursing at a colleague during a live broadcast. This incident has only added to the recent wave of war scandals that have rocked the Kremlin.
There are also international implications to the conflict. The CIA Deputy Director, David Cohen, suggests that China sees Russia as a “junior partner” and may be alarmed by the Wagner uprising. China has been cautious about being too closely associated with Russia in the war in Ukraine, seeking to maintain its reputation on the global stage.
Turkey’s involvement in the Ukraine war has come into question in an essay by the Wall Street Journal. The author argues that while Ankara has provided some assistance to Kyiv, its real aim is to prolong the conflict to extend its regional influence and diplomatic clout.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, warns Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to be careful what he eats, hinting at the risk of poisoning following his coup against Russia’s military leaders last month. Biden believes that Russia has already lost the war and will eventually have to negotiate with Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs raises the question of whether Ukraine should negotiate with Russia to end the war. This debate highlights the challenges faced by Ukraine in deciding how to bring an end to the conflict and the complexities involved in any negotiation process.
In a show of support, the White House has ordered the activation of certain members of the Individual Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces to augment the active US Armed Forces’ effective conduct of Operation Atlantic.
In terms of military assistance, Time reports on the weapons promised to Ukraine after the NATO Summit, which include long-range missiles, battle tanks, and combat vehicles. However, RUSI notes that observable cracks in Alliance unity were evident at the Summit, leaving Ukraine uncertain about its Euro-Atlantic security prospects.
Despite not achieving a breakthrough toward membership, the NATO Summit did underline international support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. Ukrainians, while disappointed, remain encouraged by the backing they received.
The Telegraph argues that admitting Ukraine to NATO now would perpetuate the sharp divide between the West and Russia, suggesting that a fudge is the current solution. The division between the two sides makes it difficult to find a resolution that satisfies both parties.
In a concerning development, cyber attacks targeting government, military, and civilian entities in Ukraine and Poland have been identified. Attribution points to a threat actor with the likely goal of stealing information and gaining persistent remote access.
The ongoing cyber warfare between Russia and Ukraine is examined in a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The analysis assesses the impact of cyber operations in the conflict, formulates strategic recommendations for cyber defense partnerships, and counters information operations.
The US has been proactive in aiding Ukraine’s cyber defenses, as Defense News reports. Cyber experts were sent to Ukraine well before Russia’s invasion to bolster network defenses and identify hacking tools.
On the diplomatic front, tensions rise as Russia faces a deadline to renew its grain export agreement, with fears of food price rises if Moscow fails to meet its obligations. This brinkmanship is seen by many as a cynical move by Russia.
Lastly, Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre is working with Microsoft to understand the impact of a Chinese hack that targeted email accounts used by senior US government officials and agencies. The wide-reaching hack has raised concerns about the security of sensitive information and the vulnerability of government systems.
In conclusion, the hybrid war between Russia and Ukraine continues, with Ukraine pushing against Russian entrenchments and Russia facing internal dissent. The conflict has seen the use of heavy artillery and the employment of drones for reconnaissance purposes. Foreign fighters have joined the Ukrainian forces, and there are cracks emerging in the Russian military leadership. Additionally, cyber attacks have targeted government and military entities, exacerbating the tensions in the region. The NATO Summit provided a platform of support for Ukraine, although access to NATO membership remains uncertain. The situation is causing divisions between the West and Russia, making it difficult to find a resolution. Overall, the war shows no signs of abating, and both sides continue to grapple for control.