Ukraine enters the ‘most difficult’ phase of the war
Nov 27, 2024
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Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent for The Globe and Mail, provides on-the-ground insights from Ukraine as the war escalates into its toughest phase. He discusses the ramifications of Biden’s missile support decision and how Trump's potential return could shift U.S. foreign policy. MacKinnon highlights Ukraine’s evolving military strategy, including drone use against Russian assets, and the alarming implications of Russia's hypersonic missiles. He reflects on Ukraine’s nuclear vulnerability and the evolving dynamics in the Donbass region.
The U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory marks a critical military strategy shift amid escalating tensions.
The introduction of North Korean troops into the conflict adds complexity and raises concerns for Ukraine's defensive efforts and propaganda tactics.
Deep dives
Impact of U.S. Elections on Ukraine's Military Strategy
The decision by the U.S. to allow Ukraine to use American long-range missiles against Russian targets marks a significant shift in military strategy. This change comes in response to the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House, bringing concerns that he may favor peace negotiations heavily tilted towards Russia's interests. As a result, Ukraine aims to maximize territorial gains and strengthen its defensive positions before any potential negotiations to ensure favorable front lines. By striking deep into Russian territory, Ukrainian forces can target critical military resources such as ammunition depots, potentially altering the balance in ongoing conflicts.
North Korean Troops in the Ukraine Conflict
The deployment of North Korean troops in support of Russian forces introduces a new dynamic to the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that a significant number of North Korean soldiers have been sent to the front lines, enabling Russia to maintain their offensive operations. This development raises concerns for Ukraine, leading them to launch propaganda efforts directed at these North Korean troops, in hopes of encouraging desertions among them. The recruitment of North Korean soldiers adds another layer of complexity to the war, as Ukraine faces an increasingly diverse coalition opposing them.
Nuclear Doctrine Changes and Escalation Risks
Recent changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine reflect heightened tensions and the potential for further escalation in the conflict. The revision allows for a broader justification for the use of nuclear weapons, responding directly to perceived threats from Ukraine and its Western allies. Though many experts believe Ukraine does rely on NATO's intelligence capabilities for precision strikes inside Russia, there remains skepticism about the actual deployment of nuclear weapons as a real-time threat. Nonetheless, these adjustments in nuclear policy signal a warning to the West regarding the Kremlin's readiness to amplify its military posture amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine has been intensifying after a series of escalations in the last week. And as a result of that, Ukrainian forces are entering the ‘most difficult’ phase of the war since it started, according to The Globe’s Mark MacKinnon.