It is both perplexing and understandable why mercenary forces are used so extensively. Russia with Wagner and the US with both proxy wars and the extensive use of Private Military Forces in the Middle East and elsewhere.
The use of mercenaries is a delicate path to follow. The benefit is there are no body bags arriving in Washington. The downside is that if mercenaries are offered more money by the "opposition" then off they go, turn around and the wheels spin. Mercenaries have no loyalty apart from their paychecks.
This recent event of Wagner forces embarking on Moscow is frankly farcical bordering on a joke.
Your previous correspondent might ask how Zelensky was able to purchase a US$6+m residence immediately after winning the election. Kolomoisky may well be able to answer this question.
I am not sure that is correct. Ukrainian politics is dominated by competing regional oligarchs, such as Kolomoisky who has supported Zelensky. Richard Sakwa is one good source among many. Putin has actually reduced the power and influence of oligarchs, many of whom, such as Khodorovsky, have fled to USA and UK and still seek to influence events from afar.
Corruption in Russia has increased since many oligarks in Ukraine fled to Russia. The quotient of corruption in Russia went up while the quotient of corruption in Ukraine decreased.
Excellent Commentary.
I go with 3, 4, 5 and 6.
It is both perplexing and understandable why mercenary forces are used so extensively. Russia with Wagner and the US with both proxy wars and the extensive use of Private Military Forces in the Middle East and elsewhere.
The use of mercenaries is a delicate path to follow. The benefit is there are no body bags arriving in Washington. The downside is that if mercenaries are offered more money by the "opposition" then off they go, turn around and the wheels spin. Mercenaries have no loyalty apart from their paychecks.
This recent event of Wagner forces embarking on Moscow is frankly farcical bordering on a joke.
Your previous correspondent might ask how Zelensky was able to purchase a US$6+m residence immediately after winning the election. Kolomoisky may well be able to answer this question.
Erik
Erik
Thanks. Tragically the USA has used Ukraine as its mercenary conscripted army so no body bags go home to Washington. Fight to the last Ukrainian!
I am not sure that is correct. Ukrainian politics is dominated by competing regional oligarchs, such as Kolomoisky who has supported Zelensky. Richard Sakwa is one good source among many. Putin has actually reduced the power and influence of oligarchs, many of whom, such as Khodorovsky, have fled to USA and UK and still seek to influence events from afar.
Corruption in Russia has increased since many oligarks in Ukraine fled to Russia. The quotient of corruption in Russia went up while the quotient of corruption in Ukraine decreased.