Non-paywalled link: https://archive.is/G584y

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine

It really is something how almost all English-langage media uses the phrase “full-scale invasion” in lockstep.

From a strictly military perspective, restrictions never help.

“From a strictly military perspective” is a nonsense framing, especially in a relatively limited war like this. Militaries are for (1) resolving political questions when peaceful attempts at resolution break down, and (2) deterring other countries from walking away from serious attempts at peaceful resolution. There is no world where you set aside the ultimate political goals; that’s the whole point!

The modest seizure of Russian territory may strengthen Ukraine’s bargaining position in negotiations, ease Russian pressure on Ukrainian defenses in the Donbas, or weaken Russian President Vladimir Putin politically, but it is unlikely to change the military picture in a significant way.

Should have dispensed with the saber-rattling and started here. This isn’t going to change the overall direction of the war; at most it will prolong the inevitable.

These are the last days of WWI, where people keep dying despite everyone knowing that the war’s end is imminent.