Lily Chang

Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russian territory has sent shockwaves around the world, exposing the vulnerabilities of Russian defenses and forcing a recalculation of the war’s trajectory. While the operation took many by surprise, including Ukrainian officials, its strategic implications are far-reaching. Kiev’s decision to strike across the border was a bold gamble, designed to disrupt Russian operations, capture prisoners, and change the narrative of the war. The operation successfully diverted significant resources from the Eastern Front, forcing Russia to divert troops and attention from the unexpected threat. Moscow’s initial disarray in responding to the incursion highlighted the weaknesses of its…