Scott Ritter • Ukraine, NATO, CLUSTER MUNITION for Ukraine • July 8th interview for the Daily Planet

#scottritter #ukraine #nato [00:04] President Biden approves cluster munition for Ukraine - The cluster munition is not illegal according to international conventions - The use of this weapon represents an escalation of the conflict - However, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall course of the war - Ukraine faces challenges in replenishing and deploying the artillery systems - The decision is a political move by President Biden 06:43] NATO convening summit on deteriorating situation in Ukraine - Discussions on what NATO can do to reverse the outcome - Possibility of NATO members forming a coalition to assist Ukraine - Poland in talks with Ukraine to create a union - Russian ambassador raising concerns and articulating deterrence [13:32] Russia’s goal in speaking out about the nuclear power plant attack was to get the West to stop the rhetoric. - Ukraine’s plan to attack the nuclear power plant was likely a scheme to shape the perception of NATO for intervention. - Doctrinally, NATO forces would never launch an attack against a fortified defensive position without effective air cover and artillery supremacy. - Ukraine lacks air cover and is outgunned by the Russians, making their counter-attack unlikely to succeed. [19:41] Ukraine seeks to inflict pain on Russia to make the Russian people lose heart in the conflict. - Ukraine’s objective is to reduce the Russian will to fight by causing casualties. - NATO supports Ukraine’s strategy of using Eastern European Manpower to minimize NATO body bags. - The Ukrainian government and NATO show indifference to the casualties of the Ukrainian Army. [25:16] The Russian people deeply care about the losses suffered in war. - They reflect on the significance of Victory Day and its connection to the defeat of Nazi Germany. - The Russian people remember and honor the sacrifice made by millions during World War Il. - They also mourn the loss of Russian and Ukrainian lives in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. - Russia is resolute in its determination to win the conflict and not disgrace the memory of the fallen. - Russian sorrow and mourning should not be mistaken for weakness, but rather as a desire for an end to the fighting and the attainment of victory. [30:41] Russia’s humanity and resilience is a sign of strength - Russia has never put a timetable on victory - NATO and Ukraine’s timetables are never met [35:58] War is Hell, no military is perfect - The war can only be won one meter at a time, soaked in the blood of Russians and Ukrainians. - Russia’s legitimate National Security concerns should be secured and efforts should be made to responsibly bring the conflict to an end. [41:50] Russian military operation critics should be more realistic and responsible in their criticism - Russian soldiers have legitimate complaints and the army can improve - In war, there is no such thing as the ’best’ - The front lines are chaotic, lawless, and challenging - The Ukrainian Minister of Defense is endorsing the idea of Ukraine being a testing ground for NATO weapons, which sacrifices Ukrainian soldiers for the improvement of NATO weaponry - The Ukrainian government operates with short-term political gain in mind, rather than the long-term welfare of its people