Davids v Goliaths

The West’s timid failure to back Ukraine encouraged Putin’s imperialist invasion, just as Taiwan’s lack of allies has emboldened Chinese moves against it, but the dismal failure of Russia’s assault may give pause for thought in Beijing.

On to Moscow

Whether or not the Ukraine counteroffensive that began in early June 2023 succeeds in dislodging Russian troops from all the occupied territory, there are growing signs that the push has Moscow worried.

Russian sanctions start to bite

Russia’s economy has been hit hard by Western sanctions, although continued energy sales continue to pump billions into Putin’s war machine.