Ukraine's Counterattack Catch-22: Why There Won't Be a Good War Outcome for Zelensky

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Soon, Ukraine is going to find itself in an impossible situation. Ideally, it would quickly convince Russia that occupying the southeastern part of the country is militarily untenable, ushering in a rapid end to the war at relatively low cost. However, this is also the one outcome that Putin can use to sell the war as a success to his domestic audience. Thus, ironically, any gains that Ukraine makes at this point will only make Putin want to fight harder. Ukraine may eventually emerge victorious, but it will come at a high price.

0:00 The Current Stalemate
0:22 Ukraine's Upcoming Counterattack
1:11 Russia's Evolving War Plan
2:04 Disagreement on Likely Outcomes
3:03 Selling the War to Russian Citizens
3:58 The Continuing Uncertainty
5:18 How Should the War End?
6:45 Russia's Domestic Constraint
7:35 Gambling for Resurrection

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