“All’s fair in love and war” goes the old saying. Yes, there are rules of engagement, and what a country can do to protect itself. International rules of war are rarely followed. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24, 2022 and many military analysts thought Ukraine wouldn’t last six months, being totally outnumbered by Russia.

Their should be no doubt what Russia wants, which is reestablishing total control of Ukraine, and destroying every aspect of an independent Ukraine. .It is estimated that Russia has suffered 1.2 million causalities (killed, wounded or missing) since the war began. It is estimated that 324,000 Russians have been killed. But Putin is undeterred.

The 3-day cease fire ended officially on Wednesday. And then Putin began the largest attack yet in his desire to destroy Ukraine in multiple cities, with as many as 1,500 drones and missiles, in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and throughout the country. `

Russia hammers Ukraine in biggest prolonged drone attack since war began

The intent of the massive attacks is to overwhelm Ukraine’s defenses. Missiles and drones can be shot down, but it is expensive way to defend the country. The best defense at times, is a good offense, as Ukraine knows well. :

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will “not allow any of the aggressor’s strikes … go unpunished,” and would be “entirely justified” to hit Russia’s oil industry, military production in retaliation for the recent Russian attacks on the country.

Ukraine struck back as it promised:

Massive fire erupts at Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery as Ukrainian drone blitz hits multiple targets, oblasts

Russia claimed this was an attack on Russian civilians, and reported 3 people had been killed and 12 injured.

Bottom line is that Ukraine is able to attack up to 1,000 miles into Russia with drones and hit military targets. Putin is losing ground. The Ukrainians are defending their country the best way they can.

One military expert, who from the very start, understood the resilience and determination of Ukraine, was General Jack Keane, a frequent commentator on Fox News. He calls the war stalemated, and the Russian “peace demands” unreasonable, as Ukraine would have to cede a large part of their country, even parts not under the control of Russia.

Putin will not likely see the war as unwinnable, but leaders in the Kremlin can. Real peace comes when Russia decides to respect the security and sovereignty of Ukraine. Another words, accept defeat. Ukraine belongs to Ukraine.

Stay tuned,

Dave