Vladimir Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine has been hampered by profound logistical failures, the unexpected ferocity of Ukraine’s resistance and an unprecedented sanctions regime that has brought Russia to the brink of economic collapse.
Little wonder Putin’s already out rattling sabres and making veiled threats about the prospect of nuclear war. Much was made last week of the Russian dictator’s announcement that strategic nuclear weapons forces had been placed on high alert. The pretext then was “aggressive statements” towards Russia from Nato members.
