Author Biography
Dr. David M. Sip is an independent scholar. He got his PhD from the Università degli Studi di Trento. He works on proxy wars with a special focus on Iranian proxy groups, proxy war theory, and the role of proxies for deterrence.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.4.2566
Subject Area Keywords
Defense policy, Europe and EU, International security, Irregular warfare, Russia, Strategic communications
Abstract
Much focus in the research on the topic of proxies and Ukraine is on the Russian proxies in the Donbas. But Ukraine itself is fielding several proxy groups formed from Russian exiles and minorities such as Chechen's fighting for the freedom of their home. By interpreting Ukraine’s proxy war against Russia as a means of inter-war deterrence this article proposes that Ukraine aims at deterring Russia from a general mobilization and an all-out escalation of the war. The effectiveness of this approach, its limits, and problems are analyzed, as well as the mistakes Ukraine has made in taking this approach. Further, the usefulness and viability of such a strategy for the wider defense of Eastern Europe against Russian aggression is discussed, as well as the implications for deterrence and proxy strategy.
Disclaimer
The author of this article declares that he has neither received any financial compensation nor any known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my gratitude to the two peer reviewers, whose feedback and comments have helped me with this article.
Recommended Citation
Sip, David M.. "Ukraine’s Proxy War Against Russia and its Lessons for Europe." Journal of Strategic Security 18, no. 4 (2025)
: 38-52.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.4.2566
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol18/iss4/3
