On the other hand, the optics of being unable to protect the literal military parade… Might change some Russians’ minds about how good and strong of a leader Putin is.
Then drop something aimed at the will of the people, not the military power. Letters from captured Russian troops to their loved ones, candy for the children, propaganda…
Getting it all past their air defense sends a message to those who care about military strength. The letters may show that you’re treating prisoners well (even if they don’t all make it to their recipients). The candy… well, happy children are probably the most benevolent kind of psychological warfare.
Collateral civilian damage will be used to galvanise resistance. Hence, violent strikes may end up backfiring (but don’t have to - nothing in war is ever quite certain).
On the other hand, the optics of being unable to protect the literal military parade… Might change some Russians’ minds about how good and strong of a leader Putin is.
Either one works, really.
Then drop something aimed at the will of the people, not the military power. Letters from captured Russian troops to their loved ones, candy for the children, propaganda…
Getting it all past their air defense sends a message to those who care about military strength. The letters may show that you’re treating prisoners well (even if they don’t all make it to their recipients). The candy… well, happy children are probably the most benevolent kind of psychological warfare.
Collateral civilian damage will be used to galvanise resistance. Hence, violent strikes may end up backfiring (but don’t have to - nothing in war is ever quite certain).
So far russians hitting our civilian targets didn’t do them much good. I can’t imagine the reverse will help us.