Putin’s Vile Chess
Vladimir Putin’s invasion has become a military, economic and diplomatic trap. Ukraine’s resilience, strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and growing Western backing continue to expose Moscow’s weakening position, while attacks on civilians deepen international outrage. Tougher sanctions, more weapons, the release of frozen Russian assets and lasting security guarantees are urgently needed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has engaged in a "game of kings," or chess, against Ukraine and the West for years, but with little success. His invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was a "blitzkrieg gambit," expecting Kyiv to fall quickly, but he misread the board and underestimated Ukrainian courage and resilience. Putin's strategy shifted to a "war of attrition," sacrificing 1.5 million men and spending $770 million a day, yet he gained little territory.
Now, Putin threatens to conduct saturation bombing attacks on Ukrainian women and children in Kyiv and other cities, in an attempt to crush the country. This is another blunder, a "poisoned-pawn" mistake that undermines his position and costs him the war. Russia is fighting on two chessboards: one involving military forces and oil, and the other a diplomatic board with Putin, US President Donald Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Europe.
Putin's brutal tactics backfire and cause outrage among Americans and Europeans. His "bribery" attempt to sell a Russian oil company to Trump's friends is insulting and should result in Russia being expelled from the UN and Trump disinviting Putin from the G20 conference. Despite the attacks, Kyiv and Ukrainians remain resilient, with schools, parliment, and life continuing.
Zelensky has issued an "SOS" to Ukrainians, warning of Putin's escalation of attacks and his desire to destroy bridges, data centers, internet, cell networks, hospitals, kindergartens, schools, and universities. Meanwhile, Ukraine's deep strikes have damaged 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity, reducing its war funding. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv to offer support, and Congress has approved new sanctions, but Trump's popularity is at an all-time low, and Americans blame Putin for the conflict.
Putin's declaration to murder women and children is his "poison pawn" that undermines any credibility he may have had.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
