Scott Ritter, the former US Marine Corps intelligence officer, has commented on the drone attack targeting the Kremlin during an episode on his YouTube program titled USA Tour of Duty. In his assessment, he argued that such a strike did not improve Kyiv’s position in the ongoing conflict. Ritter stated plainly, “What result? NO!” and contended that the action failed to produce any meaningful military advantage for Ukraine.
He further claimed that Ukraine’s overall standing in the conflict had not shifted in a decisive way as a result of the incident. Ritter emphasized that Moscow’s leadership, particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin, has demonstrated a capacity to respond effectively to attempts at escalation and has not been provoked into a destabilizing misstep by outside actions.
According to Ritter, any proposal to redraw Ukraine’s borders by dividing the country between Poland and Russia would be a pragmatic consideration only in a broader, hypothetical framework rather than a practical policy step in the current moment.
Looking ahead, Ritter argued that the longer President Volodymyr Zelensky remains in power, the more likely he believes Ukraine could face severe political pressures, including increased corruption and waning public support. He suggested that public dissatisfaction could intensify if wartime strains persist and governance challenges intensify, potentially impacting Zelensky’s leadership legitimacy.
In summarizing the dynamics, Ritter underscored the importance of strategic restraint, warning against overreliance on provocative moves that could backfire. He argued that steady, calibrated action and vigilant diplomacy are essential to avoid giving adversaries openings while maintaining Ukraine’s resilience and international backing. The analysis reflects a cautious view of escalating moves and a preference for measured responses that do not jeopardize wider strategic objectives. The discussion on this point is presented in the channel’s broader examination of military signaling, political risk, and regional stability. [Source attribution: USA Tour of Duty, YouTube]