Alexander Mercouris: Ukraine Unravelling - War Enters New & Dangerous Phase

Russia decided there would be no diplomatic resolution and became deadly serious about pursuing a military one.

Western intervention demands will grow as Ukraine worsens, potentially leading to calls for Western troops or no-fly zones.

Please restart negotiations with Russia and ensure Europe is included this time.

Russia's strategy is deep attrition to create a total systemic breakdown in Ukraine.

Ukraine faces a high risk of uncontrolled inflation or hyperinflation due to economic collapse and war spending.

Western interference in Ukraine's domestic politics keeps Zelensky in place and eliminates diplomatic alternatives.

Ukraine is escalating to a dirty war with threats against airports and civilian travel, which should be taken seriously.

Russia will quickly abandon restraint and wage a dirty war if provoked, with potential backwash reaching Europe.

Capturing Orehov secures Crimea and opens routes to Zaporizhia and the Dnieper, threatening Ukraine's viability.

Russian actions indicate preparation for capturing Odessa, which Russia would permanently retain.

Losing Donbas removes Ukraine's leverage and enables faster Russian advances, ending the war of sieges.

Territorial swaps are no longer viable once Russia captures Donbas by force, as historical claims harden positions.

A diplomatic window remains but requires the West to offer legally binding Ukrainian neutrality and demilitarization.

Internal pressure to strike Western facilities is growing, and assuming Russian restraint will last is complacent.