World in 10 Frontline special - retired Major General Chip Chapman
Jul 26, 2025
Retired Major General Chip Chapman, author of "Notes from a Small Military", shares his insights on the current Ukraine-Russia conflict. He argues that Putin's tactics of bombing Ukraine into submission underestimate the Ukrainian people's resilience. Chapman discusses the significance of drone warfare and the challenges facing NATO in balancing innovation with readiness. He also analyzes the impact of sanctions on Russia and the complicated geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the dim prospects for immediate peace.
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Russia's Bombardment Strategy
- Russia's intense drone and missile assaults aim to break Ukraine's will and fatigue both Ukrainians and their Western supporters.
- However, Ukraine's resilience is supported by access to refuges, food, and strong morale, making surrender unlikely.
Limited Impact of Strategic Strikes
- Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian targets aim to disrupt logistics and degrade war production but won't decisively end the conflict.
- Strategic bombing mostly raises war costs, hoping to pressure the opponent politically rather than cause immediate surrender.
Russia's Military Expansion Uncertain
- Russia might expand its military and spend massively up to 2036 only if it wins in Ukraine and gains resources from a vassal state.
- External support like from China or North Korea remains uncertain and heavily influences Russia's future military potential.
