Mukden Varients

(Mukden Variants)

Some months ago, the Battle of Mukden was referenced. Fought between February and March 1905, it was the largest, and last battle of the Russo-Japanese War. And, while it was a Japanese victory, it was not sufficient to defeat Russia outright. Russia could sustain hostilities by feeding troops via the Trans Siberia railway while Japan, herself exhausted, opted to go into negotiations that would terminate hostilities in the Treaty of Portsmouth, brokered by then U.S. President Theordore Roosevelt.


Like in the Russo-Japanese War, in the Russo-Ukraine War, the Mukin principle still applies. It has always been the case that, however debilitating the conflict has been for Russia, for its part at least, it can still sustain operations while the Ukraine is dependent on assistance, namely from the United States. That all could change however. One of the casualties of the power struggle on Capitol Hill could be Ukraine support.


Ukraine has had a "cheer-leader" section in this country, opinion from circles who should know better and while Kiev could be sustained as long as there are munitions being transferred. When those weapon pipelines dry up, Ukraine in 2023 will be in the same situation as Russia in 1905. The solution then and the solution now would be to open negotiations so that a Portsmouth type solution could be found.


But who is there to attempt such an accord ? Donald Trump has said that he could end the war but he is also saying he could be Speaker of the House. And everything else on his plate ? One hears of an all you can eat buffet but this is ridiculous. In the end, both Russia and the Ukraine have both reached the point where the best course of action is to start talking.

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