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Ukraine’s Four-Letter War

As the battle for Ukraine enters its second year, neither side seems willing to negotiate. A source familiar with the Russian posture described Moscow’s opening position as “go fuck yourself.” Another well-informed source said that’s Kyiv’s opener, too.

The great Russian offensive has, so far, been remarkably lackluster—and people don’t seem to realize that this current series of sputtering pushes is the offensive, itself.
The great Russian offensive has, so far, been remarkably lackluster—and people don’t seem to realize that this current series of sputtering pushes is the offensive, itself. Photo: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images
Julia Ioffe
February 14, 2023

The Russian offensive is here. You may have missed it because it’s far less dramatic and effective than previously advertised. Russian forces have been attacking up and down the front of the Donbas, pushing west, trying to take as much territory as possible before the one-year anniversary of their invasion of Ukraine, on February 24.