Ukraine Still Isn't Defeated
JD Vance likes to say that Ukraine isn't winning its war with Russia, which the Vice President seems to think is an argument for withdrawing U.S. military support. But if the will to fight is worth something, then Ukraine is still showing its mettle as it tries to repel the Kremlin's designs for conquest.
Ukraine's daring weekend drone attack on military bases deep inside Russia is a brilliant example of creativity and resolve. Ukraine sources say it was able to smuggle drones across Russia, fire them at close proximity to air bases, and destroy numerous aircraft. The planes reportedly included bombers that fire cruise missiles at Ukraine and some that can carry nuclear payloads.
It isn't clear how many planes were destroyed, but there was enough damage that Russia's defense ministry felt obliged to acknowledge the strikes. Bases were hit in Siberia and in the far Russian east.
The drone raids won't alter the course of the war, but they show the ability of Ukraine to strike far from its border with Russia. The intelligence required to pull off the operation, supposedly in the planning for 18 months, is also reason for the Kremlin to be discomfited. Did Ukraine have some Russian help?
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