Post AX5MCiygpmBVcUysds by cathyginter@universeodon.com
 (DIR) More posts by cathyginter@universeodon.com
 (DIR) Post #AX5MCi2CLFOeh5cATI by cathyginter@universeodon.com
       2023-06-24T16:01:35Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       No matter how it ends, Prigozhin's actions in the past 24 hours have weakened Putin. Everything that weakens Putin is good for Ukraine. ~ Michael McFaul#News #Russia #Ukraine
       
 (DIR) Post #AX5MCiygpmBVcUysds by cathyginter@universeodon.com
       2023-06-25T12:15:07Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, analysts and officials have claimed that Putin will never back down; that he needs a facing-saving win (i.e. Ukrainian territory) to end his war. Events yesterday completely undermined that assumption.Putin talked tough in his national address. He sounded like someone preparing for a big fight. But when faced with the difficult decision of trying to stop Wagner mercenaries with major force, he backed down. He didn't escalate. He didn't need a face-saving off-ramp to declare victory. When facing the possibility of really losing to Wagner mercenaries coming into Moscow, he just capitulated.#News #Russia #Ukraine
       
 (DIR) Post #AX5MCjWMoZ7hIwjm8O by cathyginter@universeodon.com
       2023-06-25T12:15:39Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       McFaul continues:
Instead of doubling down with more force to crush the mutiny, Putin accepted humiliation instead. He was the rat trapped in the corner that so many Putinologists have told us to fear. But he didn't lash out and go crazy. He negotiated and with a traitor. The lesson for the war in Ukraine is clear. Putin is more likely to negotiate and end his war if he is losing on the battlefield. Those who have argued that Ukraine must not attack Crimea for fear of triggering escalation must now reevaluate that hypothesis.The sooner Putin fears he is losing the war, the faster he will negotiate.~ Michael McFaul#News #Russia #Ukraine