As the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, it has become a commonplace that time favors President Vladimir Putin.
For Mr. Putin, more concerned by Ukraine than any other country that arose from the wreckage of the Soviet Union, that alone is tantamount to defeat.
If the fundamental purpose of Mr. Putin’s war was to keep Ukraine within Russia’s orbit — politically, culturally and economically — it has had the opposite effect.
Ukraine’s leaders and citizens, particularly those from younger generations, have decided that their future lies with the West, not Russia.
Everywhere you go, Ukrainians speak Western languages, particularly English, in seemingly ever greater numbers.
Persons:
Vladimir Putin, Moscow —, Carl von Clausewitz, Putin
Organizations:
Ukraine
Locations:
Ukraine, Russia, Moscow, Soviet Union, subordinating