The Washington Post: Ukraine Crosses Putin's "Red Lines" Again, and He Blinks

Kyiv's rapid invasion of the Kursk region in western Russia this month crossed what was once considered an unbreakable red line—a direct ground assault on Russia itself. However, Putin's reaction has been surprisingly passive and restrained, a notable departure from the strong rhetoric he used at the start of the war.

This has led some in the West to question Washington's approach to the conflict in Ukraine. Critics argue that the "slow and measured" delivery of arms to Kyiv, aimed at preventing an escalation with Russia, has instead hampered Ukraine's chances of defeating Russia and prolonged a devastating war of attrition.

Many analysts believe that U.S. military aid to Ukraine had the potential to be a powerful example of support, but it has remained overly cautious.