Ukraine's Stalemate in War with Russia Highlights Need for Increased Support
ICARO Media Group
In a recent article published in The Economist, General Valerii Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, has stated that Ukraine's war with Russia has reached a stalemate on the battlefield. The general attributed this predicament to the lack of combat aircraft and soldiers available to the Ukrainian forces. Zaluzhny highlighted the initial success Ukraine experienced in the conflict, where widespread mobilization and support from NATO helped repel Russian forces from certain areas. However, the flow of military aid subsequently decreased, leading to a weakening of Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
Following General Zaluzhny's comments, various news outlets in Europe have engaged in discussions regarding the implications of his criticism. The apparent personnel shortages in the Ukrainian army have raised concerns among stakeholders. Lawyer and human rights activist Masi Nayyem, who suffered serious injuries on the front line, has urged young men and women to join the ranks of the armed forces to address this shortage effectively. Nayyem expressed concern about the potential dire consequences if Ukraine fails to replenish its forces, emphasizing the need to secure victory in the ongoing conflict.
These discussions have also touched upon the potential concessions Ukraine may have to make in order to reach a mutual agreement with Russia. Furthermore, they have highlighted the pre-election campaign launched by Ukrainian politician Arestovych, who has identified vulnerabilities in President Zelensky's administration and seeks to sway public opinion in his favor.
Meanwhile, it is Russia that seems to benefit the most from the current stalemate. The country's territory remains relatively unscathed by the war, and it boasts greater resources than Ukraine. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung asserts that the West must continue supporting Ukraine, not only out of solidarity but also in its own self-interest. By maintaining support for Ukraine, the West can prevent Russia from gradually bleeding the embattled country dry.
Eesti Päevaleht raises concerns about Ukraine's prospects, fearing that the war of attrition may force the country into a painful surrender. General Valerii Zaluzhny himself has compared the war to the first world war, emphasizing the significance of resources in determining the outcome. For Ukraine's allies, this would be a disastrous outcome, underscoring the need for the West to recognize the urgency of bolstering its own self-defense capabilities.
However, there is some hope on the horizon. The provision of new missiles, including ATACMS from the United States and Storm Shadow & SCALP-EG from the UK and France, has allowed Ukraine to strike previously secure Russian targets. These advanced weapons have forced Russia to adapt its strategies in the conflict, potentially shifting the dynamics of the war.
The current stalemate in Ukraine's war with Russia highlights the pressing need for increased support from the international community. Without adequate resources, including combat aircraft and soldiers, Ukraine faces an uphill battle against a well-equipped adversary. As the conflict continues, the question remains whether Ukraine will receive the support it requires to overcome this challenging stalemate and secure a favorable outcome.