I was reluctant to attribute Russian failures in the first week of the war to their incompetence because I did not — and I still dare not — underestimate Russia’s capacity to be evil, for minimizing the enemy has always been a weakness of the West even as Putin demonstrated his true colors at every moment in history and currently. But now, I can confidently admit that I was wrong: The Russian military and its leadership really are a bunch of incompetent stooges. It does not mean they are no less dangerous. When the Russian military brass becomes frustrated with a losing strategy — as is the case here — they revert to the good old standby plan B: Bomb everything!
I never doubted Ukrainians’ capacity and desire to fend off the Russian invaders. That was never a question for me. I questioned how long it could last; I thought 4-6 weeks, but I think it can be indefinitely! More than anything, what has surprised me is the West’s cohesion and resolve to stand up to Putin. This is a first!