A Ukrainian soldier at an evacuation point in Kupiansk, Ukraine. via Getty Images Europe
Ukraine’s top general, Gen Valery Zaluzhny, has delivered a stark assessment of the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that there will be no swift “breakthrough” in the counteroffensive. Nearly 18 months after Vladimir Putin initiated the invasion, General Zaluzhny noted that both sides have essentially reached a stalemate. Despite five months of efforts by Ukraine’s forces, supported by NATO weaponry and expertise, they have only managed to advance by approximately 10 miles.
General Zaluzhny made a historical reference, likening the situation to the technological standstill experienced during the First World War, indicating that a significant technological leap would be necessary to alter the current impasse. He commented, “There will most likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough.”
In contrast, the Kremlin has denied that the conflict, which has persisted for nearly two years, has reached a stalemate, with Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, asserting that Russia is steadily advancing with its military operation.
General Zaluzhny highlighted the introduction of modern sensors, making it exceedingly challenging for either side to advance without detection. He cited an example from the front line in Avdiivka, where Russian forces suffered substantial losses, with 140 of their machines destroyed within four hours of coming within firing range of Ukrainian artillery. Ukrainian forces faced similar outcomes during their attempted advances.
The general also mentioned that the window for F-16 fighter jets to become a game-changing asset for Ukrainian forces had closed, as Russian air defenses had improved, diminishing the effectiveness of these aircraft.
The conflict has taken a significant toll on both sides, with Ukraine experiencing approximately 70,000 casualties and Russia facing an estimated 120,000 deaths. However, Russia currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
General Zaluzhny’s assessment, delivered 18 months into the conflict, underscores the complexity and challenges of the ongoing situation, with the stalemate showing no signs of quick resolution.,
General Zaluzhny initially believed he could slow down Russia’s advances by inflicting heavy casualties on their troops. However, he acknowledged his miscalculation, as Russia’s willingness to sustain significant casualties exceeded his expectations. He noted that Russia had suffered at least 150,000 military fatalities, a toll that, in any other nation, might have prompted a halt to the conflict.
The 49-year-old military leader, affectionately known as “Our Valera” by friends, described Russia as a feudal state where human life is undervalued, contrasting it with Ukraine, where the nation’s most precious resource is its people.
These comments from General Zaluzhny, who assumed the role of Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian military in July 2021, may not be well-received by the White House.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion, President Biden received praise for his unwavering support for Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky. This support solidified NATO’s backing and encouraged non-alliance nations to provide assistance and funding for Ukraine’s war effort.
President Zelensky consistently rejected calls to cede Ukrainian territory, emphasizing that his country was engaged in an existential struggle. President Biden, who spearheaded up to $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, positioned himself as a defender of democracy, in contrast to some, like Donald Trump, who advocated for the U.S. to cease funding the war.
President Trump’s views found support within the Republican Party, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who argued that the funds should be redirected to fortify the U.S.-Mexico border to curb illegal immigration.
In the aftermath of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, some suggested that the financial resources allocated to Ukraine could be redirected to Israel. While President Biden aimed to tie funding for both nations, Speaker Johnson introduced a bill seeking to separate the two and allocate funds for Ukraine with spending cuts, although the bill has made little progress thus far.
Earlier this week, Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, implored legislators to maintain the linkage between the funding bill. Blinken stressed the interconnectedness of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as Russia increasingly turned to Iran for military support after traditional supply routes were severed. In return, Moscow provided Iran with advanced military technology, posing a potential threat to Israel’s security.
General Zaluzhny underscored the necessity for a groundbreaking development to break the current deadlock, emphasizing the need for a transformative element, much like the historical invention of gunpowder by the Chinese, which continues to be employed in conflicts worldwide.
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