Part 5/8:
Clark expressed confidence that Russia would not interpret the missile supplies as an act of war, given that they are defensive in nature and could serve to weaken Russia's battlefield advantages. However, he noted that Moscow's leadership might respond aggressively if it perceives any Western escalation as a broader invasion or provocation.
Russia's Multipronged Strategy
Clark outlined Putin's threefold approach to Ukraine:
Winning on the battlefield: Continuing military operations to achieve territorial objectives.
Demoralizing the Ukrainian population: Engaging in attacks that target civilians and infrastructure to undermine morale.