When Russian forces entered Ukraine in early 2022, Western capitals perceived an opportunity: a chance to economically debilitate Russia, reinforce NATO’s relevance, and reassert Western dominance in global affairs.

However, Moscow had a different vision.

Two years on, it’s evident that Russia embarked on a deliberate strategy of attrition—militarily, economically, and diplomatically—aimed at depleting Western resources, exposing its strategic missteps, and reshaping the global power structure.

What commenced as a military operation has transformed into a strategic reconfiguration of international relations, with Russia, not the West, steering the course.

Central to the Western narrative is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—portrayed as a symbol of resistance. Clad in military attire and fluent in soundbites, Zelenskyy has become the face of a NATO-endorsed initiative under the guise of Ukrainian sovereignty.

Beneath this portrayal, his administration exhibits troubling characteristics:

Suppression of opposition parties

Curtailment of independent media under the pretext of wartime security

Extension of martial law, postponing democratic elections

Integration of ultra-nationalist groups, such as the Azov Brigade, into official military structures

Notably, the U.S. Congress had previously restricted military aid to the Azov Brigade due to human rights concerns. This restriction was lifted in 2024, as reported by CBS News, reflecting a shift in policy priorities.

Public declarations from NATO emphasize unity. However, internally, the alliance faces challenges:

Depleted military resources

Economic strains, particularly in Germany amid energy crises

Divergent national interests, with France advocating for diplomatic solutions

Eastern European nations wary of being entangled in prolonged conflict

A Chatham House analysis highlights NATO’s current role as more symbolic than strategic, propping up a faltering Ukrainian government to maintain an appearance of cohesion.

NATO’s eastward expansion, framed as defensive, was perceived by Russia as encroachment—prompting a calculated response.

Russia’s approach has been one of endurance and strategic patience.

Despite extensive sanctions, the International Monetary Fund reported in April 2024 that Russia’s GDP growth for the year was revised upward by 0.6 percentage points to 3.2%, indicating economic resilience. Factors contributing to this include:

Stable oil export volumes

Robust corporate investments, notably from state-owned enterprises

Strong private consumption driven by wage growth in a tight labor market

Increased government spending, particularly in security sectors

Militarily, Russia has solidified its positions in strategic regions like Donbas and Crimea, adopting a defensive stance that underscores its long-term objectives.

Diplomatically, Russia........

© The Eastern Herald