31 October 2024

A Sobering Moment in the Ukraine War

Doug Livermore

As the war in Ukraine continues well into its second year, both Ukraine and Russia are grappling with the realities of prolonged, large-scale conflict. Russia’s relentless advances in several regions, particularly in Eastern Ukraine, have significantly strained Ukraine’s defenses despite the latter’s efforts to advertise and implement its “Victory Plan.”

This plan, which hinged on securing greater military aid, loosening restrictions on Western-donated weaponry, and mounting a decisive counteroffensive, has thus far failed to achieve its primary objective of securing Western support.

Yet at the core of Ukraine’s difficulties is the ongoing manpower struggle, exacerbated by Russia’s ability to continually draw upon not only its own vast resources but also those of allies, such as (it seems) North Korean troops. Meanwhile, the West’s hesitation to provide unrestricted access to and use of the most advanced weaponry, coupled with growing donor fatigue, has left Kyiv in a precarious position.

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