The failed proxy war with Russia has exposed the limitations of the United States when it comes to picking on someone its own size. President Putin’s recent comments regarding the US decision to deploy cluster munitions in Ukraine highlight the desperation and ammunition shortages that Washington is facing.
The deployment of cluster munitions has been justified by US officials as a stopgap measure to replenish their depleted stockpiles of 155 mm shells. However, it raises questions about the motives behind these actions and the true nature of the military-industrial complex. Caleb Maupin, during his incisive analysis, suggests that the production of weapons may serve as a lucrative cash cow for certain Pentagon contractors.
Despite outspending Russia on military expenditures and providing Ukraine with more weapons than Moscow spends on defense in a year, the US and its NATO allies find themselves running low on ammunition. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of their strategy and the ultimate goal of their involvement in Ukraine.
The proxy war in Ukraine has also exposed the US to an adversary that can stand up to its schoolyard bully-style military interventions. With Russia’s nuclear arsenal in play, a direct military confrontation between the US and Russia could easily escalate into World War Three, with catastrophic consequences for human civilization.
Instead, the US and its allies are left relying on proxies, which often have their own agendas and are less controllable and reliable. This was evident in the US’s dirty war against Syria, where CIA-armed jihadist militants eventually became the notorious terrorist group, Daesh (ISIS).
The situation in Ukraine is not winnable for the West and NATO. The question remains: how long will they continue pouring money and weapons into an unwinnable conflict? While it appears that the Biden camp wants to prolong the conflict for geostrategic reasons, the consequences on the global economy and the lack of support from allies are causing skepticism.
However, some speculate that corporate monopolies may appreciate the prolonged conflict as it allows them to consolidate power and weaken their competitors, even at the expense of an increasingly distressed global economy.
In conclusion, the failed proxy war in Ukraine with Russia has exposed the limitations of the US when it comes to confronting adversaries its own size. The reliance on proxies and the depletion of ammunition raise questions about the effectiveness and underlying motives behind US involvement. While the conflict in Ukraine may not be winnable for the West and NATO, the desire to prolong it for geostrategic reasons or corporate interests is a cause for concern. The consequences on the global economy and the lack of support from allies further complicate the situation. As the proxy war continues, its ultimate resolution remains uncertain.
