David had risen against Goliath, destroying a third of Russia’s bombers. Modern-day drones may have replaced slings, but ingenuity and grit against all odds had prevailed. The next day, a bridge — the only link between Russian-occupied Ukraine and the mainland — was severely damaged.
Like all schoolyard bullies, Putin can be subdued. Witness the pathetic volte-face three years ago of the Russian army — expected to reach Kyiv within days — ground to a halt through lack of supplies, setting itself up as target practice before retreating. Like a bully, he threatens nuclear war to dissuade further arms support from Ukraine’s allies; the disastrous use of “meat-grinding” tactics by the Russians has lost thousands of men to gain a kilometre of land; the perpetual bombing of civilian targets in Ukraine seeks to destroy the morale of its people.Easy targets with no comeback… until now. Damage to the Russian air fleet is estimated at $7 billion.
How could a platoon of Wagner troops, led by Prigozhin, march their way to the very outskirts of Moscow without being challenged?
Putin is performing a high-wire balancing act. He walks a greased tightrope. In his hands, Putin holds a long pole horizontally. On one side sits the tiger of North Korea; on the other, the elephant of China — both cautiously moving forward to devour him.
Can Putin make it to the other side without falling?
The Ukrainians have their own pole to nudge Putin off his perch. They’re so close to reaching him. Can Ukraine’s ever-fickle allies provide that extra inch?
