Plain English with Derek Thompson Five Reasons Putin’s War Was Doomed From the Start
Mar 14, 2022
Rob Lee, a leading expert on Russian military affairs, shares his insights into the flawed strategies behind Putin's invasion of Ukraine. He discusses how despite Russia's overwhelming military advantages, Ukraine's unexpected resilience has stunned the world. The podcast delves into the strategic miscalculations made by Russia and the crucial military support from the U.S. that has bolstered Ukraine's defense. Lee emphasizes the determination of the Ukrainian people and how their national identity fuels their fight against foreign aggression.
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Unrealistic Objective
- Putin's initial war goal was to conquer Ukraine and incorporate it into a new Russian empire.
- This objective was unrealistic because Ukrainians don't want to be part of Russia.
Failed Initial Strategy
- Russia's initial strategy was flawed. They held back on missile strikes, believing Ukraine would surrender easily.
Disinformation Blowback
- Russian military leaders overestimated the level of support within Ukraine for a Russian takeover.
- Their own disinformation campaign may have contributed to this miscalculation.