Russia has a huge army, but it's struggling to get man power in ukraine. The most interesting orivals are the fighters from chechnie. And then there are others from further afield as well. We have seen the russian government whip up support from syrians.
Russian forces advancing on Kyiv have stalled. Ukraine has refused the demand to surrender Mariupol. But it’s not just Russian regular troops fighting: we look at Russia’s use of mercenaries. Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius, and is now facing the wrath of China. And included in the exodus of Ukrainians are plenty of four-legged companions. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of
The Economist, subscribe here
www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer