Putin Has Driven Russia Into A Strategic Impasse

The Kremlin has not come any closer to achieving its main goals.

Russia has a massive military-industrial complex and is capable of waging war against Ukraine for years, but its military might does not translate into lasting influence beyond its borders, writes the magazine Foreign Affairs (translation by Charter97.org).

Putin’s main problem is not a lack of resources, but the weakness of his foreign policy strategy. He knows how to apply pressure, but he is much less adept at building connections and maintaining relationships that could endure after the next crisis has passed.

“Putin isn’t particularly skilled at strategy. His foreign policy seems superficial. He has a hard time balancing coercion with persuasion,” the authors write.

The consequences of this policy are evident in several regions at once. After the fall of Nicolás Maduro, Moscow has virtually lost its influence in Venezuela. Following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad Syria reduced Russia’s military presence in the eastern Mediterranean. Russia’s positions are weakening in Central Asia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. At the same time, Moscow is becoming increasingly dependent on Beijing.

The failure of Russia’s strategy was particularly evident in Ukraine. In February 2022, Putin hoped to establish control over the entire country, but four and a half years later, Russia is far from achieving that goal.

“Moscow may inflict enormous damage on Ukraine and hope for a ceasefire that is advantageous to itself, but it has failed to conquer the country. Moreover, an unconquered Ukraine will pose a serious strategic problem for Russia for many years to come,” the magazine writes.

The Kremlin also hopes that Europe will grow tired of supporting Kyiv. But the opposite is happening: the harder Russia attacks Ukrainian cities, the more European countries invest in Ukraine’s defense and their own security.

“Nowhere is the void in Russian foreign policy more evident than in Ukraine,” the authors argue.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com