Frontline: The War in Ukraine and Global Security Putin’s weaknesses exposed as Russian troops are wiping each other out | Robert Fox
Mar 12, 2026
Robert Fox, defence editor with frontline experience from the Falklands to Ukraine, explains how battlefield failures have exposed serious weaknesses in Russian units. He discusses the ripple effects from the Gulf crisis, shifting Russia-China ties, risks around the Strait of Hormuz, US carrier deployments and whether China might act on Taiwan. Short, sharp takes on military posture and geopolitical leverage.
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Iran Strike Driven By Opportunism Not Clear Endstate
- The Iran strike decision had elements of opportunism and uncertainty about objectives.
- Fox suggests Israel struck a known high-value compound at a predictable time, and that wider strategic aims (regime change vs. capability denial) were unclear.
US Force Posture Signals Major Global Strain
- US has committed multiple carrier strike groups and repositioned air-defences to the Gulf, reflecting heavy escalation and strain on Western resources.
- Fox lists Abraham Lincoln, Gerald R Ford and other carriers plus rapid THAAD redeployments from South Korea as evidence.
Strait Of Hormuz Is A Strategic Pressure Point
- Closing the Strait of Hormuz would dramatically disrupt global hydrocarbon markets because over a fifth of exported hydrocarbons transit it.
- Fox warns western planners underestimate this leverage and struggle to find an off‑ramp while the Iranian regime fights for survival.