Russia in Turmoil: Ukraine's Bold Strikes and the Gathering Storm

Russia is on the back foot as Ukraine's forces have struck a top-of-the-line fighter plane, a Su-57, stationed on an air base nearly 370 miles from the front lines. This bold move comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The Su-57, considered one of Russia's most advanced warplanes, was hit on Saturday at the Akhtubinsk airfield in the southern Russian republic of Astrakhan, according to Kyiv's GUR military intelligence agency.

The White House has stated that Russia's advance on Kharkiv "has stalled" after Ukraine was partially allowed to use U.S.-provided weapons to strike targets inside Russia. This news comes as a significant blow to Russia, which has been pushing to reclaim lost territory. However, Russia has repeatedly warned Ukraine's Western allies that allowing strikes inside Russia would carry grave consequences.

A Country Built for War

Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia, and is the largest country in the world by area. It shares land borders with fourteen countries and is the world's ninth-most populous country. Russia is a highly urbanized country, with 16 population centers having over a million inhabitants. Moscow is both the capital and the largest city, while Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and cultural capital.

Russia has a long history of authoritarian rule and a disregard for individual rights, which underpins Vladimir Putin's imperial project. A centuries-long tradition of war has made Russia a country that is "happy at war," as stated by Robert F. Worth in The Atlantic. This penchant for conflict has not only shaped Russia's history but also its people, who have been made to believe that war is a necessary part of their existence.

Protests Erupt in Russia

As the war in Ukraine continues to rage on, protests have erupted in Russia. At least 1,252 people have been detained in protests across the country, with many speaking out against President Putin's "partial mobilization" policy. This policy, announced by Putin, aims to push 300,000 more troops to the front lines. The move has been met with fierce resistance, with many Russians taking to the streets to voice their dissent.

The influx of Russians into Georgia has also stoked fears of war. Many believe that this could hurt Georgia's chances of gaining membership in the European Union. President Zourabichvili of Georgia has stated that a denial of their EU membership bid would be "a big victory for Russia."

Tracking the War

The war in Ukraine has been marked by significant ground attacks, with Russia intensifying its attacks on the region. Several villages and settlements have been seized, and the conflict has shown no signs of slowing down. The U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to strike targets inside Russia, but it remains to be seen whether this will be a game-changer in the conflict.

Russia has also made headway in the key Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar, which stands on high ground about 20 km to the west of Bakhmut. Both sides see this town as a potential staging point for Russia to advance on the key cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. The conflict in Ukraine is complex and multifaceted, with many twists and turns that have left the world watching anxiously.

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