Ukraine is engaged in a prolonged war of attrition, and any expectations of a quick end to hostilities following the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have dissipated, writes The Atlantic journalist Robert F. Worth.
Source: Gazeta.UA
According to him, despite Russia’s demographic advantage, attempts to encircle the strategically important defensive belt in northeastern Ukraine have yielded no significant results. Capturing this region would require years of intense fighting, especially after Ukraine’s successful attacks on Russian oil pipelines and rear bases. Putin’s recognition of failure became evident in August when he demanded Kyiv’s voluntary surrender of the region — a demand that was not taken seriously.
Ukrainian commanders in the northeast explain that the current main task is to compensate for personnel shortages.
“One of the keys is the use of drone technologies, which help Ukraine maintain its defense. Military forces are also using artillery more cautiously and carefully planning movements and rotations,” the journalist notes.
Commanders emphasize that the goal is to minimize direct contact with the enemy so that Ukrainian troops do not engage in unnecessary battles.
The author recalls that just nine months ago, the situation for Ukraine’s Defense Forces was critical due to delays in weapons supplies, while Russian troops advanced using “meat wave” tactics. Now, the army has adapted, restructured for a prolonged war, and learned to inflict losses on the enemy while minimizing its own.
U.S. General Ben Hodges noted:
“Russia cannot win unless we in the West completely give up.”
According to the author, the time advantage that Moscow once enjoyed is gradually shifting to Ukraine.
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