West & Ukraine Trade Blame, Talk Wonder Weapons, as Critical Juncture Approaches

Update on Ukraine conflict for August 27, 2023 - Ukraine’s offensive nears 3 months of fighting and has yet to breach Russia’s first of several defensive lines; - Russia not only continues frustrating Ukraine’s offensive, it is launching its own offensive in the northeast that is gaining momentum; - Amid the failing offensive, Ukraine and its Western sponsors trade blame and argue over the best course forward; - Talk continues to be made regarding “wonder weapons” like F-16 and JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets despite the implausible nature of using either effectively in battle; - A juncture is approaching where the West will have to decide whether to allow Ukraine to begin irreversibly collapsing or intervene more directly; References: Wall Street Journal - Ukraine Chalks Up Small Advance in Southern Push (August 22, 2023): Wall Street - U.S., Ukraine Clash Over C