Ukraine War Update EXTRA: Zaluzhnyi, Belarus, Kissinger, & Zelenskyy
Table of Contents 📖
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"The only difference between February 24th and the previous eight years is scale."
Hello Team!
Jonathan reviews an interview between General Valery Zaluzhnyi, head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and Shashank Joshi from The Economist. He provides commentary and analysis on the key points made.
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Zaluzhnyi Interview - Leadership & Initiative
Zaluzhnyi discusses how the Ukrainian army differs from the Russian army in terms of leadership. The Ukrainian army encourages initiative and humanity in its leaders, while the Russian army still follows a brutal Soviet-style doctrine. Zaluzhnyi has fired 10 generals since the war began for not being up to standard. He emphasizes the importance of leaders listening to those in the field.
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Russian Invasion Plans & Adapting to Reality
Russia had been preparing resources for 3-4 years and expected to achieve their goals within 3 months. Their failure to do so despite exhausting their resources shows their approach was incorrect. They are now trying to hold onto what they have in Donbas while preventing Ukraine from regrouping and attacking. Zaluzhnyi believes Russia's strategic goal is to secure a pause in fighting to regroup and fulfill their original objectives later.
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Ukrainian Strategy & Resource Needs
Ukraine's main tasks are to hold their current defensive lines, prepare for a potential Russian offensive in February, and secure more air/missile defense systems. Zaluzhnyi emphasizes they need more tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, howitzers and ammunition to conduct large-scale operations. He is communicating these resource needs to Ukraine's Western partners.
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Potential Attack from Belarus
There are some indicators that Russia may be preparing for another attack on Kyiv from Belarus, but the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) still assesses this as unlikely in the near term. Zaluzhnyi suggests Russia may try for Kyiv again, but it's unclear if he genuinely believes this or is using it to secure more Western aid.
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Kissinger Article - Shifting Views?
Henry Kissinger, who previously promoted appeasing Russia, has written an article suggesting Ukraine should join NATO. This is a significant shift, though he still proposes a compromise of reverting to pre-Feb 24 lines that neither side would likely accept. The article shows how perceptions of Ukraine's strength and future have changed.
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Zelenskyy Visits Washington
In a surprise move, President Zelenskyy is making his first wartime trip outside Ukraine to visit Washington DC. He will meet with President Biden and address Congress, likely seeking to secure more U.S. assistance. The visit is a significant diplomatic and PR move, signaling Ukraine's resilience and Zelenskyy's confidence.
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Wrap up
Jonathan thanks viewers for their support and encourages them to like, subscribe, share and consider joining the channel memberships or purchasing his books. He wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and to enjoy the festive period.
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