Putin’s mission to restore Russian glory folds in 2023

Putin’s first phase attack on Ukraine having failed in its purpose of a takeover complete with puppet government, there are fears he will bolster his dented pride by expanding operations elsewhere.  Transnistria, a breakaway segment of Moldova, controlled by pro-Russian separatists since 1992 which hosts 1,500 Russian troops and a large arms depot, borders western Ukraine, may be his first call. A series of mysterious explosions there a few days ago, blamed by Moscow on Ukrainian infi