[February 27, 2022] The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has not gone well. The reason is simple: courage on the part of the Ukrainian people. Ordinary soldiers and citizens are fighting the Russian juggernaut with unexpected tenacity. This is a genuine David and Goliath story unfolding right before our eyes.
A few personal observations:
- Russia caught the world off-guard despite showing all their military cards. They kept the West guessing what they would do, giving the impression they would only invade a few border areas of Ukraine. Western nation intelligence was wrong, our leaders were wrong, and we made poor decisions.
- The people of Ukraine are showing surprising backbone in what is undoubtedly the death of their nation.
- NATO, America, the EU, and the UN share the blame for Russia’s invasion because their self-confessed weaknesses, indecisiveness, and ongoing political infighting. They all gave Russia conflicting signals on where they stand. The West isn’t taking this war seriously. The long-term consequences are unknown but will reverberate badly for a long time.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin underestimated the nerve of Ukraine to resist. Russia will win, but the cost will be much higher than anticipated, and that cost has nothing to do with the sanctions imposed by the West.
- The Russian military has blundered. They unnecessarily destroyed Snake Island, killing 13 border guards. The Ukrainian guards’ response, “go f*** yourself.” There is conflicting information on this action but it shows Russia does not control the narrative.
- Russia is losing the propaganda war when its military does stupid things like killing innocent women and children, running over cars with their tanks, etc. and then allowing this information to get out around the world. Word of Russian atrocities is filtering out. So far, these are uncorroborated.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told U.S. President Joe Biden, “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.” Ouch! Great leadership by Zelensky in action. Poor leadership by Biden.
- The Ukraine army has put up a good tactical fight by taking unexpected action, destroying key bridges, using surface-to-air missiles and anti-tank guns, defending key access points, and using aggressive tactics. And, now we hear of the “Ghost of Kyiv,” a Ukrainian fighter pilot ace (an inspiring but unconfirmed story).
- Thousands of ordinary Ukrainian citizens enlist in the Army.
- China comes out as an ally of Russia. This alliance does not bode well for the world. Turkey comes out on the side of Ukraine. At least one nation is standing with Ukraine.
- “Ukraine will not kneel.” A new slogan is gaining traction and fueling anti-Russia sentiment around the world.
“I’m here. We won’t lay down our arms. We will defend our state.” – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Oh, I cannot fail to add this one. It stands alone. Many American celebrities, politicians, and “experts” showed us how remarkably foolish they are. They are characteristically aloof, uncaring, and unserious – all simultaneously.
But, will Ukraine survive the night?1
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God save the people of Ukraine.
Yes, and now that the war has dragged on longer than many of us expected, you will see and hear a lot more about the war and how Ukraine steeped up – both its military and political leaders (unlike the USA) – and fought off the Russian horde.
We miss you today, Gen. Satterfield. Where are you?
He spent time in the hospital.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/time-out-for-a-medical-condition/
Gen. Satterfield, thanks for your observations on this on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Remember that there is a long history here and that is something Americans tend to overlook.
Just a note of caution. While there are many stories coming out of the warzone, much of it will be propaganda released by both sides. You cannot trust it at all. Later, we will see what reality was on the ground. For example, there are now stories that Snake Island was not bombarded and the 13 border guards killed but that they all surrendered. What really happened? Who knows?
This is true, so be prepared to be disappointed if you buy into any of this. What is true, from our side of the ocean is that weak leadership on the part of the West helped set the stage for this invasion. We are not at fault but are part of the problem.
Lesson here for us all. There is little you or I can do. Maybe post something on social media that we stand with the Ukraine. At least we just didn’t fall on our knees and cry like so many snowflakes.
We are seeing real courage.
Weird that Putin only invaded during Democrat administrations. 😊 Just an observation! Just saying!
Lots of rumors in America that the world banking system is in trouble and that there are food shortages starting to show up … all because of the war in the Ukraine. I’m not sure that is a bunch of hype or is there real truth behind it? I’ll go to the grocery store and bank to withdraw some cash anyway. Never hurts to be prepared.
Remember that elections have consequences. The American public has already demonstrated their critical thinking skills (or lack of them) in the last election. What they think now is irrelevant. The damage is done. And the beatings will continue until morale improves.
I heard them too but dismissed ’em as conspiracy theories. But, who knows, I’m always wrong about this sort of thing.
Excellent article Gen. Satterfield. I like the idea that you are showing us what real leadership looks like and what quisling leadership looks like too. Keep these articles coming.
Hey guys, what would happen if Donald Trump organized a humanitarian relief effort and delivered it to Ukraine in person? Now that would be a true example of courage in action.
Pow, knocked that one out of the park. Maybe Gen. Satterfield could start something along these lines by helping get the word out to real patriots in America that they can donate food and ammo to the Ukrainians. Ha Ha. Mostly ammo. That is what they need now, they have the backbone to make a stand.
Our political class in American surely has no courage, so don’t look to them as an example. 👍
A new Harvard Center for American Political Studies (CAPS)-Harris Poll survey released Friday found that 62 percent of those polled believed Putin would not be moving against Ukraine if Trump had been president. When looking strictly at the answers of Democrats and Republicans, 85 percent of Republicans and 38 percent of Democrats answered this way.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/595919-62-percent-of-voters-say-putin-wouldnt-have-invaded-ukraine-if-trump?rl=1
The Ukraine crisis has exposed a global gallery of war criminals, rogues, cads, grifters, cowards, useful idiots, plain idiots — the gamut. Then there’s the man of the hour: Volodymyr Zelensky.
Well said, Tracey. And, here in the US we have the useful idiot Pres Biden and his corrupt family.
Stand with Ukraine. The new rallying cry of those who want to stop the encroachment of Communism.
Excellent article on Ukraine and the Russian jaggernaught. Gen. Satterfield, please stay on this. There is much to learn from the failure of Western leadership to the depravity of Russia.
I’m surprised, very surprised that American liberals are on the side of Ukraine. They love Russia so much (being a communist nation and all).
American leftists are pragmatic. They will use any tool to pound their opponents into the ground. They have no real underlying value system other than taking control of other people’s lives. Communists just happen to have the same desires.
I guess none of us should be surprised, we should have learned it when they accused Pres Trump of being a “russian agent.” Crazy liberals.
None of us should be surprised at what American or any “liberal” would say or do. They are always having to look at their dear leaders for the latest trend in who to destroy.
Liberalism is a mental disease.