By Daniel DePetris
To some, Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken on a mythical status in the West as a strategic genius. Putin has been referred to as a "master tactician" and "the ultimate chess player," someone who pounces when an adversary lowers their guard. Others have faulted Western policymakers for underestimating Putin's skill as a strategist.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, however, has underlined another critical fact about the Russian strongman: He can be a reckless gambler. If the first five days of the operation are any guide, Russia's military operation in Ukraine could turn out to be one giant, very public, geopolitical catastrophe.
This piece was originally published in Newsweek on March 4, 2022. Read more HERE.