An interesting opinion comes from Gen. Ben Hodges, who believes Ukraine won't lose even if promised support never arrives. He claims that Russia is much weaker than she appears. I sort of agree, but I'm watching carefully- in particular, how do we precisely define what we mean by "winning."
https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/...38230569836766
Regardless, I don't see Ukraine capitulating under any scenario.
So far, ongoing piecemeal gifts from the various European nations are enough to keep Ukraine in the fight, and Russia seems to have no real ability to maneuver. Russia is limited to grinding advances, and would probably require a whole year to take a major city. But Russia still has something like half million troops in country. Of course, they suck and they're not mobile, and Russian supply is limited to about 40 Km from supply railheads and those 40 Km are under drone surveillance. Still, these forces can't be neglected.
This sorta "slow grind" doctrine is unsophisticated, but, to date, Ukraine seems unable to counter it. A lot depends on the West following through, or on Russia experiencing an economic collapse. Even if Ukraine plays the odds and wins, there's a risk of tremendous casualties under such a scenario.
Neilsen argues that it could go either way in 2024. So, a lot is riding on Western aid, Ukraine's ability to figure out her manpower problem, and whether or not his estimate that Russian production has peaked is accurate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJK5NYxGNOQ
Oh, whoever stated earlier (
vide supra) that this conflict is in a stalemate, doesn't understand the meaning of "stalemate".
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