Russia and Ukraine flashpoint

[Ryuu96]

As part of those preparations, Russia continues to attack Ukrainian logistics and #Ukraine's critical infrastructure. In what has become a war of attrition, #Ukraine faces two key vulnerabilities: shortage of weapons and munitions and the constantly growing stress on manpower.2/6

— Andrew A. Michta (@andrewmichta) January 19, 2024

I've said this many times before, but it's worth repeating: We need a strategy for #Ukraine's victory in this war. It's not enough to keep repeating that Russia can't be allowed to win and Ukraine can't lose. We need clarity on the end state to generate the needed resources.4/6

— Andrew A. Michta (@andrewmichta) January 19, 2024

Weakness invites aggression-just recall the consequences of Europe's timidity and America's isolationism in 1938. Like Germany and Japan back then, now Russia and China are arming rapidly. The question is: Will we recognize the threat and respond with determination. Will we?6/6

— Andrew A. Michta (@andrewmichta) January 19, 2024

Russia is purchasing ballistic missiles from North Korea in violation of the UN Security Council arms embargo, and the West must respond in kind by authorizing Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia, independent analyst Colby Badhwar argues. Russia's use of North Korean missiles in Ukraine was exposed by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General in the wake of the New Year attacks. However, it's not despair that's pushing the Kremlin to buy arms from Pyongyang, Badhwar says, but the desire to diversify its weapons sources. As for North Korea, they are only too happy to use Ukraine as a test site.

The past two years have shown that when the United States hesitates, its allies do as well, but when they lead, then they will be followed. It took an American pledge to provide Ukraine with main battle tanks before the Germans would agree to do the same. President Biden must assemble and lead a coalition to respond to Russia's latest escalation. Provision of American long-range missiles, such as 300km M39A1 ATACMS and SLAM-ERs could be joined by German Taurus KEPD 350s and Korean KTSSMs.

Russia has crafted its logistical system around their understanding that Ukraine has very limited long-range strike options and can only use domestically produced ones to strike Russian territory. It was bad enough that Russia's own missiles were safe behind this imaginary shield, but if they are going to acquire North Korean ballistic missiles by flouting a UNSC-imposed arms embargo that Moscow itself voted in support of three times, then the United States, South Korea, and all other states backing Ukraine must take collective action in response. This can be a turning point in the war, one in which the inadequacy of Western support for Ukraine is realized and finally redressed. The opportunity can't be wasted.

How The West Can Counter North Korean Arms Supplies to Russia