Russia's Upper Hand in Global Chessboard

It’s hard to understand why Washington has bunkered down around its concession of Ukraine’s failed campaign to deliver the US a fool’s belief they would defeat Russia in a war that was never possible and always improbable.

America’s hubris to foment a proxy war and think it could use Ukraine to depose Putin and destroy Russia, is not only sending young men to a slaughterhouse of misery, it, exemplifies the Biden administration’s geopolitical and amateur ignorance.

And as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, a   stream of unseen victories for Russia is emerging -  not only on the frontline but across economic and strategic domains – it highlights how despite facing a coalition of forces, Russia has claimed significant tactical and strategic victories - suggesting a recalibration of power dynamics in Eastern Europe and globally – while influencing other international conflicts, notably the Israel-Palestine war.

Militarily and strategically, Russia has demonstrated a robust capacity to engage in a prolonged conflict while leveraging its military power.

Economically, it’s endured the onslaught of the West’s sanctions, surprising many analysts, while pivoting towards alternative markets and domestic production - mitigating the impact of economic isolation.

However, its been Russia’s control over significant energy supplies to Europe which has provided it with an economic lever to influence European economies and politics regardless of any sanctions imposed.

Recently, the US Congress approved an additional $61 billion in funding for Ukraine, aimed at bolstering its defence against Russian forces. But from Russia’s viewpoint, the financial package is inadequate to secure Ukraine a decisive military advantage.

Ukraine lacks sufficiently trained soldiers to utilise the advanced military technologies and systems offered up.

While funding helps sustain Ukraine's defence efforts, it does little to alter the military balance in favour of the Ukrainians.

Russia's ability to sustain its military campaign, despite NATO's support for Ukraine, is touted by Russian media and analysts as evidence of NATO's inability to deter Russian military objectives.

Russia’s tactics and strategies in Ukraine parallels its approach to other global conflicts, like the Middle East.

Russia's role in the Israel-Palestinian conflict counterbalances Western influence and assert its own as a major global power.

Leveraging its position in Ukraine, Russia aims to enhance its diplomatic credentials and influence in other regional conflicts, positioning itself as a key player capable of challenging Western hegemony in international affairs.

Russia in Ukraine have not only tested the mettle of its military but have also strategically repositioned it on the global stage as a formidable player capable of withstanding Western pressure.

This repositioning is critically linked to the narrative of endurance and resilience that Russia promotes.

Economically, despite facing unprecedented sanctions aimed at crippling its economy, Russia has managed to sustain a semblance of stability.

Partly due to its strategic alliances and pivot towards Asian markets, notably increasing trade with China and India. These moves have not only helped buffer the impact of sanctions but have also showcased Russia's capability to forge and sustain economic partnerships outside the Western sphere of influence, thereby challenging the global economic status quo.

Moreover, the Kremlin has used the sanctions as to rally national unity and self-sufficiency, often portraying the Western actions as a direct threat to Russian sovereignty and lifestyle.

This narrative has significant traction within Russia and serves to bolster domestic support for the government’s actions, projecting an image of a nation unified against external pressures.

The aspect of internal consolidation is crucial as it translates into sustained support for military actions abroad, which Russia frames as necessary for national security and global respect.

Militarily, the conflict in Ukraine has served as a proving ground for Russia’s newly modernized military arsenal and tactics. Russia has deployed a range of conventional and unconventional warfare tactics, from the use of advanced missile technology to cyber warfare, showcasing its military capabilities and strategic depth.

These developments are significant as they not only test new military hardware and tactics but send a clear signal to NATO and the US about Russia’s military prowess and readiness for multi-dimensional warfare.

Asymmetric warfare, through cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns, has added a layer of complexity to the conflict - tactics to disrupt Ukrainian military communications and operations, but also extend to influencing public opinion and political stability in Ukraine and its allies.

Using non-conventional tactics underscores a shift in modern warfare, where battles are not only fought on the ground but in the cyber realm and the minds of the population.

Economic resilience, military modernisation, and asymmetric warfare have contributed to Russia’s shadow victories. And while the overt military engagements and territorial conquests are visible and often highlighted in the media, these underlying victories in strategic repositioning, economic manoeuvring, and military innovation are equally as significant.

They not only influence the war in Ukraine but have broader implications for Russia’s stance on global affairs, including the Middle East along with other international conflicts like the Israel-Palestinian war.

Russia's campaign in Ukraine is marked by significant unseen victories that extend beyond the immediate military engagements. They include economic resilience against sanctions, strategic use of energy resources, and a portrayal of the limits of Western military support for Ukraine – all collectively contributing to a resilient Russia capable of sustaining long-term strategic contests not only in Eastern Europe but also in its approach to conflicts like the Israel-Palestinian war.

However, the broader implications for NATO and the US involve reassessing their strategic positions and capabilities in a world where their influence is robustly contested by Russia.