Controversial Economist Article Makes Ukraine’s Battle for US Military Aid More Difficult
In a recent article titled “The Ukraine War is at a Stalemate,” Valerii Zaluzhnyi, a writer for the prestigious publication The Economist, has caused significant controversy and made Ukraine’s fight for US military aid more challenging. However, President Zelenskyy has been quick to rebuff these claims and assert that there is no actual stalemate in Ukraine.
Zaluzhnyi’s central argument in the article revolves around the notion that the war in Ukraine has entered a new stage, necessitating a fresh strategy to adapt to the changing landscape. While Ukraine’s former defense minister, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, agrees that a stalemate does not exist, he acknowledges that Ukraine is achieving its goals at a painstakingly slow pace.
Indeed, the war in Ukraine is far from dormant, with Russia actively attempting to occupy the entire Donetsk Oblast and suffering significant casualties in the process. Recognizing this dynamic, Zaluzhnyi contends that the outcome of the war calls for substantial changes in the country’s technological military capabilities.
One of the key points raised in the article is the need for Ukraine to embrace new technologies such as FPV drones and gliding bombs, which have fundamentally transformed the nature of the conflict. This, according to Zaluzhnyi, underlines the necessity for a clear technological strategy for Ukraine’s victory.
Diplomatic negotiations with Russia are viewed as futile, as it is unlikely that Russia will engage in talks unless Ukraine demonstrates substantial progress and success on the battlefield. This sentiment highlights how crucial it is for Ukraine’s Western allies to understand the evolving technological landscape and its implications for future warfare.
Undoubtedly, some traditional weapons and doctrines are ill-suited for this kind of warfare, compelling Ukraine to develop its own technologies to address new challenges. As the conflict enters a new phase, the need for adaptations and changes becomes paramount—a common occurrence in protracted conflicts.
To achieve victory, Ukraine is reliant on the support of a coalition that is committed to its success and willing to shed hesitancy. It is imperative that the idea of negotiations be abandoned as an off-ramp, and instead a joint strategic plan with Western partners be implemented. The West possesses the capacity to provide the required instruments for Ukraine’s victory, yet hesitancy and fear prevent a more robust commitment.
Ukraine must strive for air superiority, breach mine barriers, improve counter-battery efforts, establish necessary reserves, bolster electronic warfare capabilities, optimize logistics support, and enhance command and control for a breakthrough. Only with the technological fulfillment of requested capabilities and a united plan can Ukraine hope to emerge victorious in this enduring conflict.
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