There is no indication that Russia has any military ambitions past Ukraine, and it’s pretty clear that Russia tried very hard to prevent the situation in Ukraine from devolving into a war.
I mean… That’s true in that Russia tried to win before Ukraine could mount a significant resistance. Attacking in the first place was pretty clearly an act of war, though, so it feels a bit disingenuous to claim Russia wanted to avoid a war when they… Started… A war…
All it really says is that Russia thought they were strong enough to steamroll Ukraine. Actually wanting to avoid a war would look a lot more like never attacking in the first place or retreating when faced with actual resistance.
Actually wanting to avoid a war would look a lot more like never attacking in the first place
Okay, so, consider this: the most prolific aggressor in the world, one which has been carrying out invasions around the world, inducing crises, enacting coups, killing millions, and which has broken its promise to not expand to your border, carried out a coup in a neighbouring country and is trying to set up a military force there against you in a blatant act of aggression. What do you do?
Apparently, you invade with ineptitude that would be hilarious if not for the bloodshed, embarrass yourself on the world stage, commit a whole bunch of war crimes, and drive several of your neighbors into the arms of this enemy. It’s not what I’d do, but Putin seemed to think it was the move to make.
I’m not arguing either of these points, I’m just pointing out that all NYT is saying here is that US officials have always believed that Russia wants this war to stay contained to Ukraine. Not that they think Russia didn’t want this war or that Russia doesn’t have other interests it will pursue external to this war.
All I’m saying is NYT didn’t really reveal anything here.
There are plenty of people running around saying that once Russia wins in Ukraine than it’s going to go on a conquest of Europe. This has been one of the major justifications for continuing the war lately.
That’s true, but that does imply that this war would conclude first. Which is consistent with saying Russia does not want this conflict to expand beyond Ukraine.