Putin Accidentally Revitalized the West’s Liberal Order
We are a long way from the ultimate outcome of Russia's invasion, but even if Ukrainian military forces cannot prevail or President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government are killed or captured, it's difficult to see how Putin's broader gamble succeeds. If Zelensky falls, another leader will step forward. Even Russian-speaking Ukrainians have become anti-Russian. The scene depicted in Picasso's Guernica, one of wanton and barbaric violence, is the best Putin can hope for: Conquering Ukraine will require unspeakable brutality, and even if Moscow succeeds on this count, foreign legions are flowing to Ukraine to assist an insurgency in bleeding Russia's occupation. If Ukraine fends off Russia's assault, it will be welcomed into NATO and the EU.