The fortunes of war engulfing Ukraine are as unpredictable and ominous as ever. There is not much good news for any of us. Volodymyr Zelensky has fired the chiefs of his intelligence services, and the prosecutor general, Iryna Venediktova — accusing them of allowing Russian agents to flourish in Ukraine’s security apparatus.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has made a rare trip abroad — to Tehran to consult with two frenemies, presidents Recep Tayyip ErdoÄan of Turkey and Ebrahim Raisi of Iran. He wants Turkey to help get Russian exports out through the Black Sea. From Iran he wants a new fleet of drones, and help in processing gas and oil products to Asia.
