Anne Applebaum on the contradiction of Trump’s support of Russia

In Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive, Operation Vivaldi, the military has gained significant ground in the eastern Donbas region, liberating 277 square kilometers of territory. The operation, consisting of four stages, has successfully blunted Russian efforts to encircle key Fortress Belt cities under Ukrainian control. Although Russia has conducted airstrikes that have damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure and claimed numerous civilian lives, Ukraine has inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, with over 8,000 Russian casualties attributed to the offensive alone.

Despite these gains, Russian drones remain a persistent threat, with Ukrainian soldiers facing an average of 10 drone attacks per day. The Ukrainian military relies heavily on integrated technologies, including Starshield, the military version of SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications network, to provide critical connectivity across the battlefield.

However, concerns have arisen regarding potential restrictions imposed on Starshield without prior notice, which could significantly limit Ukraine's combat capabilities. As soldiers make their way to the command post, exhausted but relieved, they share their experiences and the challenges they have faced during the three-month offensive.

They emphasize the importance of the Ukrainian counter-offensive in securing advantageous positions and creating conditions for future successful operations.