Russia’s reign of thieves

The pernicious effects of decades of authoritarianism and endemic corruption have been vividly on display during Russia’s botched invasion of Ukraine.

Africa fails the Ukraine challenge

Few African countries have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, so there may be little sympathy for nations on the continent who feel the rippling effects of the war.

Why Ukraine looks west

Vladimir Putin assumed his tanks would roll across Ukraine in three days, presenting a weak and divided west with a fait accompli, but far from strengthening his grip on Europe, Putin has inflamed sentiment against him and ensured Ukraine’s attachment to the West.

Asia hides in the sidelines on Russia’s invasion

Europe’s firm stance against Russia’s outrageous invasion of Ukraine stands in sharp contrast with the silence and ambivalence shown by most Asian nations.

Many paths to justice in Ukraine

It is unlikely the ICC will bring lasting justice in Ukraine, but there are many legal avenues that could help as well as victory on the battlefield against the Russian invaders.

Not even the end of the beginning

84 days into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – the latest and most bloody act in a long running war against its neighbour – Vladimir Putin’s plans appear to be in tatters but previous wars caution against premature conclusions of victory.

Learning defence lessons from Ukraine

The West refused to accept Ukraine into NATO, sell it arms to defend itself, or fight by its side against the Russian invasion, but now the Western powers, including Australia, are learning valuable lessons in winning a modern war against a major opponent.

Bringing Russia’s war criminals to justice

Some of the Russian troops who have murdered, raped and plundered their way across Ukraine have been captured and will be put on trial by Ukraine, but Russia has no intention of investigating its own wrong doing and the stone-faced leaders who ordered this terrible war may never face justice.

David v Goliath – How Ukraine has held off Russia

Having refused to arm or fight for Ukraine, or allow it to join the EU and NATO, the West expected Ukraine to fold quickly to a Russian invasion, but inspired leadership, incredible courage, modern western weapons and a willingness to learn from past mistakes have humiliated Vladimir Putin and his lumbering hordes.

Paper tigers on parade

The problems dogging Russia’s botched invasion of Ukraine are rooted in its disfunctional society as much as the technical shortcomings of weapons which look better on paper than they work in the field.

How Ukraine won the propaganda war

Russia’s army of internet trolls and official propagandists have fared about as well as their ill-fated tanks on the battlefield in their war against the intelligent, agile and creative defenders of Ukraine.

Putin attends his own funeral

Russia celebrated its ‘victory day’ over fascism on May 9 but its own descent into fascism continues, and no amount of big hats and goose stepping can hide how badly things are going for Vladimir Putin.