By Matt Underwood Russia’s Allies Complain Putin Was Nowhere When It Mattered Most
It’s becoming increasingly clear, from the rumblings coming from those who once saw Russia as a reliable partner, that Putin’s absence is being felt most keenly. The initial expectations of a swift and decisive victory in Ukraine have been shattered, revealing a military that, despite four years of effort, seems incapable of achieving its objectives. Allies, watching this unfold, are now expressing a very palpable sense of disappointment.
They’re realizing that the image of strength Russia projected was largely a facade. The military’s capabilities, once feared and respected, are now exposed as significantly weaker than anticipated. This realization, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has left many allies feeling abandoned and exposed. They’re now left wondering what Putin can actually deliver.
The rot within the Russian system seems too deep to overcome. While major powers typically adapt and improve their military performance during prolonged conflicts, Russia has shown little sign of such progress. This perceived stagnation raises serious questions about the country’s long-term capabilities and commitment to its allies. The fact that after years of fighting, Russia is struggling, speaks volumes.
The truth is, many see Putin as preoccupied with his own survival and interests. He’s been accused of prioritizing personal gain and self-preservation over the needs of his allies. This has led to a situation where promises are broken, and support is nowhere to be found when it’s needed most. This lack of dependability is a recurring theme in the current climate.
For those who rely on Russia, the situation is increasingly dire. Armenia, for example, is just one example of a country that received little to no assistance when it needed it. This, along with other instances, underscores a critical point: Russia’s allies are beginning to understand that they are essentially vassals, with limited sovereignty and no guarantee of support.
The situation has become so precarious that some question Russia’s ability to provide any meaningful assistance at all. The notion of needing North Korean troops for support further illustrates the depths of Russia’s military struggles. This reliance on outside help suggests a severe weakening of its own forces.
The West, in this scenario, is keenly aware of Russia’s shortcomings. This awareness has shaped their responses to the conflict in Ukraine, including the provision of crucial weaponry designed to counter Russian forces. This is something that has been noted by allies, who are now asking themselves, what are they actually worth to Moscow?
The focus, as it often is, shifts to Putin himself. Many within the alliance are now seeing Putin’s leadership as a negative influence, not just on the world, but on Russia itself. His priorities, they feel, are not aligned with their interests. The perception is clear: they were betrayed.
The idea that Russia is an unreliable ally is gaining traction. The historical pattern of dictatorships and their questionable alliance track records is also coming to the fore. These allies are recognizing, perhaps belatedly, that Russia’s alliances are often based on self-interest and not genuine partnership.
The bottom line? Russia’s allies feel let down, abandoned, and betrayed. They’re realizing that Putin’s promises are often empty, and his support is conditional at best. This is proving, sadly, to be an incredibly hard lesson to learn, particularly when one’s survival could be on the line.