On August 6, the Ukrainian army invaded Russia for the first time in this war, and rolled across its border with state-of-the-art weapons, training, and technology provided by the United States, Germany, and the rest of Europe. The objective was not to occupy territory, or to hold hostage the nuclear plant or the energy hub in its path, but to humiliate Putin, showcase Ukraine’s military superiority, and damage Russia’s military and its morale. It succeeded in meeting these objectives and then some. The Kursk Nuclear Plant, critical to Russia’s grid, was guarded by Chechen special forces who fled immediately, leaving behind a small force of female guards. Ukraine’s invasion also involved Russian defectors and volunteers, and details of its lightning attack were widely broadcast across Russia and the world. Putin was reportedly rattled and said on August 7 the assault was a “major provocation”. But that day, the White House announced the border incursion was not an “escalation”, and promised another $125 million in military aid. It also pledged its “unwavering commitment to Ukraine as they continue to battle back against Russian aggression.”
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