By Bradley Bernard
PREDICTABLY, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has dragged itself out into a gritty war of attrition.
After sending in troops on February 24, Vladimir Putin could not achieve his desired victory date in May, and has instead met fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces backed by Western governments.
But it’s not plain sailing in Ukraine. While they have slowed the Russian invasion, there is little chance of any major cities being retaken, or of a significant counter-attack.
In this particular war of attrition, despite Western support, Ukraine will remain the underdog.
There is also the unpredictable factor of Western nations tiring and being depleted themselves.
Billions has been poured into Kyiv, only for Zelenskyy to request further assistance as Russia slowly makes its way towards its desired goal.
In July, none of Europe’s six largest nations offered Ukraine new bilateral military commitments, according to the latest military data.
As the economic situation deteriorates in the likes of Britain, France and the US, governments may be hasty to commit money to foreign aid rather than help their own people with the cost of living crisis.
Russia has started its own diplomatic manoeuvres as the Ukrainian resistance appears to be drying up.
As well as holding military drills with Venezuela and Iran, Russia will host Chinese troops for more exercises which may also include India.
There is some evidence that, after a stifling few months, Putin is now back on the diplomatic front foot.
With the Ukrainian conflict likely to drag on and perhaps waive itself from the minds of politicians and populations’ alike, the world is in danger of seeing Putin come out intact from this months-long affair.
Opinion articles featured on Redaction Report reflect the views of their author, not those of the publication as a whole. Only Editorials display the opinions of our management.
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Featured Image: Ukrainian Government
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