Scott Ritter; Ukraine, NATO, Cluster Munitions, Russia, War Realities

by Daily Planet [7-16-2023 published].

(Scott Ritter brings some very sobering observations about wars and the perspectives of Russia, Ukraine, NATO, & the United States that should be understood. — RAD)

[00:04] President Biden approves cluster munition for Ukraine

  • The cluster munition is not illegal according to international conventions
  • The use of this weapon represents an escalation of the conflict
  • However, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall course of the war
  • Ukraine faces challenges in replenishing and deploying the artillery systems
  • The decision is a political move by President Biden

06:43] NATO convening summit on deteriorating situation in Ukraine

  • Discussions on what NATO can do to reverse the outcome
  • Possibility of NATO members forming a coalition to assist Ukraine
  • Poland in talks with Ukraine to create a union
  • Russian ambassador raising concerns and articulating deterrence

[13:32] Russia's goal in speaking out about the nuclear power plant attack was to get the West to stop the rhetoric.

  • Ukraine's plan to attack the nuclear power plant was likely a scheme to shape the perception of NATO for intervention.
  • Doctrinally, NATO forces would never launch an attack against a fortified defensive position without effective air cover and artillery supremacy.
  • Ukraine lacks air cover and is outgunned by the Russians, making their counter-attack unlikely to succeed.

[19:41] Ukraine seeks to inflict pain on Russia to make the Russian people lose heart in the conflict.

  • Ukraine's objective is to reduce the Russian will to fight by causing casualties.
  • NATO supports Ukraine's strategy of using Eastern European Manpower to minimize NATO body bags.
  • The Ukrainian government and NATO show indifference to the casualties of the Ukrainian
    Army.

[25:16] The Russian people deeply care about the losses suffered in war.

  • They reflect on the significance of Victory Day and its connection to the defeat of Nazi
    Germany.
  • The Russian people remember and honor the sacrifice made by millions during World War Il.
  • They also mourn the loss of Russian and Ukrainian lives in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
  • Russia is resolute in its determination to win the conflict and not disgrace the memory of the fallen.
  • Russian sorrow and mourning should not be mistaken for weakness, but rather as a desire for an end to the fighting and the attainment of victory.

[30:41] Russia's humanity and resilience is a sign of strength

  • Russia has never put a timetable on victory
  • NATO and Ukraine's timetables are never met

[35:58] War is Hell, no military is perfect

  • The war can only be won one meter at a time, soaked in the blood of Russians and Ukrainians.
  • Russia's legitimate National Security concerns should be secured and efforts should be made to responsibly bring the conflict to an end.

[41:50] Russian military operation critics should be more realistic and responsible in their criticism

  • Russian soldiers have legitimate complaints and the army can improve
  • In war, there is no such thing as the 'best'
  • The front lines are chaotic, lawless, and challenging
  • The Ukrainian Minister of Defense is endorsing the idea of Ukraine being a testing ground for NATO weapons, which sacrifices Ukrainian soldiers for the improvement of NATO weaponry
  • The Ukrainian government operates with short-term political gain in mind, rather than the long-term welfare of its people
Posted in Europe, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, United.States