WP: Ukraine Sends Three Signals To The US And Europe

Ukrainians said, "We are tough, determined - and right."

Another inconclusive round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine on Monday, June 2, was largely "overshadowed" by events on the ground: crushing Russian missile and UAV attacks on Ukrainian population centers and a strike on a military training ground, Ukrainian drone attacks on air bases in Russia, and the undermining of Crimean bridge supports.

The Russian strikes were not unexpected and were distinguished by the Kremlin's usual brutality, particularly against civilian Ukrainians. Ukraine's operations, by contrast, were as diplomatically measured as they were unexpected, and contained three messages that have profound implications for the war, writes the editorial board of WP.

Kiev's actions were audacious in scope, stretching from the Arctic Circle in the northwest to Siberia in Russia's far east. Ukraine has struck targets deep inside the Russian Federation before, but never on such a scale and with such sophistication, demonstrating its ability to get close to Russian military installations that should be among the most heavily defended.

With the recent intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities that drew unusual criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin appears to have signaled that he believes Russian Federation has an advantage in the war and is using it at a time when Ukraine seemed about to lose support from Washington. Giving the impression that Kiev's support is futile could prompt Trump to pull out of the talks or attempt to impose an unfavorable peace agreement on Ukraine.

First, by launching drone attacks against Russian aircraft, Ukraine has shown Trump that it can use its intelligence and perseverance to keep fighting: its case is not lost.

Second, Kiev has also made it clear to Trump and its European allies that while the Russian Federation is outnumbered and outgunned, Ukraine is still capable of inflicting significant harm on the Russian military and cannot be ignored in negotiations. Kiev may resist a bad agreement if Trump tries to impose one - even if the U.S. withdraws from the talks, especially if European countries continue to support Ukraine.

Whether willingly or not, Ukraine has also sent a third signal - highlighting the contrast between its behavior in the war and Russia's actions. Russia's recent strikes have predominantly targeted civilian targets. Whereas Ukrainian operations, while reaching far deep into Russian territory, have targeted military targets. Ukrainian officials claim that the bombing of the Crimean Bridge did not cause civilian casualties. This war began when the Kremlin invaded the territory of a sovereign neighboring state without justification: as it continued, the moral differences between the two sides only became clearer.

The Ukrainians said, "We are tough, determined - and right. This is a fight that the United States should be proud to support." It remains to be seen if this is enough to convince Trump to get tougher on Putin, the publication summarizes.

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