ZELENSKY’S ACE IN THE HOLE: The consensus of Western military experts is that while Ukraine’s audacious and spectacularly successful sneak attack on Russia’s long-range bomber fleet is a devastating psychological blow to Russia and a huge morale-booster for Ukraine, it is unlikely to change the course of the war. In fact, it may simply motivate both sides to fight harder.

“It’s really been great for the Ukrainians’ morale, and for the Russians — it makes them fighting mad. And they’re talking about nuclear weapons and other ways to retaliate. And so, you have to expect that this leads to an intensification of the conflict,” former Supreme NATO Commander retired Gen. Wes Clark said on CNN. “He’s going to come back hard against Ukraine and probably go after the civilian populace in Kharkiv and Sumy. That’s his strategic plan for the summer. He wants Odesa on the ground. He thinks he can do it.”