Russian military slog in Ukraine a ‘dreadful mess’ for Putin
By ELLEN KNICKMEYER
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than three weeks into his invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initial aim of an easy change in government in Ukraine is long gone. But Russia’s military still has a strong hand. Military analysts warn that with its greater might and stockpile of city-flattening munitions, Russia’s military can still fight for whatever Putin may plan next, whether that’s leveraging a negotiated settlement or brute destruction. Michael Clarke, former head of the British-based Royal United Services Institute defense think tank, predicts that even in what Clarke calls a “dreadful mess,” Putin’s instinct will be to double down.
