Unpacking the West’s Policy Against Striking Russia: Impact on the New Offensive in Ukraine

The West’s policy against striking Russia has played a significant role in the new offensive in Ukraine, according to military analysts. With a second front opening in the war and a surprise reshuffle in Vladimir Putin’s cabinet, the battlefield environment is rapidly changing.

Russia’s recent offensive in the Kharkiv region, where they claim to have seized nine border settlements, has caught Ukraine by surprise. While Russia may not have the military resources to sustain a second front, they are taking advantage of Ukraine’s shortage of weapons. By opening a new front, Russia forces Ukraine to spread its resources even thinner, leaving them vulnerable on the main front in the Donbas region.

The main objectives of Russia’s new offensive appear to be creating a buffer zone to protect the Russian border town of Belgorod and threatening the major Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. However, the West’s policy against targeting Russian forces on Russian soil limits Ukraine’s ability to counter the offensive effectively.

Despite these challenges, Russia has considerable forces in reserve and could capitalize on any momentum gained during the current offensive. The situation on the ground remains dynamic, and the West’s policy against striking Russia continues to shape the conflict in Ukraine.