WorldAnalysis: Russia doubles down in Ukraine, setting stage for ‘total war’

Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine increasingly resembles “total war,” with mass mobilization, hundreds of thousands of casualties, sustained strikes on economic and infrastructure targets, and defense spending consuming large shares of state budgets. Ukraine’s expanded attacks on Russia’s rear are adding strategic pressure, while restraints on both sides are fading.

Russia-Ukraine wartotal warmilitary escalation

TThe Kyiv Independent★★★★★2026-08-17 16:22Original