During the last 10 months, something truly extraordinary has occurred within the global community.
Russia, once feared as a stoic and stocked military superpower, has revealed itself to be little more than a North Korea-style haven of despotic drivel with slightly better window dressing.
In fact, Russia’s standing within the world order has taken a massive hit on account of their failures in Ukraine, and the latest revelations regarding Vladimir Putin’s leadership style certainly aren’t doing him any favors at this crucial juncture.
While Putin has largely been hiding out in his bunker in recent weeks after canceling his traditional public appearances, on Thursday he announced Russia will build four new nuclear submarines to “ensure the country’s security in the years ahead.”
He also authorized the launch of the Russian Navy’s new Emperor Alexander III nuclear submarine, and attended the flag-raising ceremony for the new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Generalissimo Suvorov—from behind his desk via video link.
Russia’s attempted show of strength—while Putin cowers—came as dozens of missiles rained down on cities throughout Ukraine, sending civilians scrambling for bomb shelters and emergency workers rushing to put out fires. There were no immediate reports of fatalities, but at least three people were injured in the Kyiv region, including a 14-year-old girl, the mayor’s office said.
Just days ago, a Russian airbase 400 miles from the Ukrainian border was attacked by drones allegedly belonging to Ukraine, marking a rather significant turn of events.
Putin has been reportedly ready to get back to the negotiating table with Ukraine, but there appears to be no appetite for such capitulation from Kyiv.
