Why Ukraine’s Drone Attack on Russia Changes War Forever | TED Explains the World with Ian Bremmer

About this Video

• Video Title: Why Ukraine’s Drone Attack on Russia Changes War Forever | TED Explains the World with Ian Bremmer
• Channel: TED
• Speakers: Helen Moltters, Ian Bremmer
• Duration: 45:00

Introduction

This TED Explains video discusses the implications of Ukraine's large-scale drone attack on Russian military bases deep within Russian territory. The speakers analyze the strategic impact of this asymmetric warfare tactic, exploring its consequences for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Putin's response, and the future of global warfare.

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine's audacious drone attack: Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Russian territory, targeting strategic military assets, notably bombers, resulting in substantial damage. The scale and success of the operation are unprecedented.
• Asymmetric warfare's impact: The attack highlights the potential of asymmetric warfare, demonstrating how relatively inexpensive drones can inflict significant damage on advanced military infrastructure.
• Russia's vulnerabilities: The attack exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's military capabilities, particularly its aging bomber fleet, which is difficult to replace due to ongoing resource constraints. The attack also questioned Putin's ability to deter NATO actions.
• Putin's potential responses: The video explores various potential responses from Putin, ranging from escalation (including the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons) to a renewed focus on negotiations. The uncertainty surrounding Putin's response makes the situation highly volatile.
• The role of global powers: The video discusses the roles of the US (particularly under Trump), China, and other global powers in influencing the conflict's trajectory. The differing approaches of these actors create additional complexity.