One month into Russia’s assault on Ukraine, the defenders continue to win the world’s admiration for slowing down what many expected would be an unstoppable Russian advance on Kyiv.
The Ukrainians’ determined defense – aided by U.S.-supplied anti-tank weaponry – may turn the war into a grinding stalemate, with Russia’s army unable to seize the capital while Ukraine is unable to fully expel the invaders. The war is already a catastrophe: Thousands of people have been killed, millions have fled, and Russian rockets and bombs have inflicted incalculable damage to buildings and infrastructure.
In this episode of History As It Happens, military historian Max Hastings, an acclaimed chronicler of the 20th century’s terrible conflicts, says it is too soon to declare Ukraine the winner. Russia, through its superior firepower and brutal tactics, may take Kyiv in the end.
“I hate to be a party pooper because we are all so full of admiration for the courage displayed by the Ukrainian people … and they are giving the Russian army the sort of beating they so richly deserve, but the Russians are still enormously strong,” Mr. Hastings said. “They may batter their way to something Putin can call victory.”
The nuclear dimension adds another layer to the crisis, Mr. Hastings said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country’s other leaders have spoken openly about their advantage in tactical nuclear warheads, a clear warning to Western powers not to directly intervene.
“The Russians only know one way to make war. They batter their way to victory. They care nothing for human life, whether their own casualties or civilian casualties.”
Mr. Hastings expects a negotiated settlement will be necessary to end the fighting, but there are no signs of a diplomatic breakthrough yet.
Listen to the full interview with Mr. Hastings about the war, Russia’s motivations and historical parallels to 20th century Europe, by downloading this episode of History As It Happens.
