The destruction of the dam today marked a somber moment in perspective.

Putin reminded Zelensky of what war actually looks like. It isn’t about the shiniest bombs or dropping drone grenades like cowards, it’s about removing a peg so low on the Jenga tower that it truly reminds you of just how brittle and frail your foundations really are and how easy it is to simply remove one as smoothly and effortless as was shown.

This act of war should remind global powers that, nuclear notwithstanding, wars are not the tabletop game they really think they are. Strategy and communication are key factors to playing the game, but it is not a game.