...By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Ukraine Faces Critical Year to Defeat Russia or Risk Losing Western Support, Warns Former Head of British Army
Sir Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army, has issued a warning that Ukraine must achieve victory over Russia this year or risk losing Western support.
Speaking on Times Radio, Sir Richard expressed his belief that the Russian military could crumble in an anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive, which he suggests may not be far off.
He emphasized the importance of Ukraine succeeding in its objective to free its territory from Russian occupation in the coming year.
The comments from Sir Richard come as Ukraine’s military celebrated recent advances in the besieged city of Bakhmut, hailing it as their first successful counterattack against Russian forces.
However, Ukrainian officials also acknowledged the challenges they continue to face in Bakhmut, with Moscow maintaining its goal of capturing the city and deploying assault troops to its outskirts.
Sir Richard highlighted the risks of waning Western support and the potential for Vladimir Putin to perceive that time is on his side.
He emphasized the crucial need for Ukraine to mount an effective offensive at the right time, suggesting that decisive blows against the Russians could lead to cracks in Russian military morale and potentially crumble the Russian army, as observed in Kharkiv last September.
While Ukraine has reported pushing Russian forces back in and around Bakhmut, signaling progress, Ukrainian officials have clarified that the broader counteroffensive has yet to commence.
Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar stated that heavy fighting continues in and around Bakhmut, with the Russians sending assault troops to the city’s outskirts.
The situation remains challenging, and the reports from the battlefield have not been independently verified.
Moscow views Bakhmut as a strategic stepping stone for launching attacks on other Ukrainian cities.
Kyiv has previously emphasized the significance of defending Bakhmut as part of their preparations for the expected counteroffensive.
Conclusion:
The warning from Sir Richard Dannatt serves as a reminder of the critical nature of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive holds significant implications for the outcome of the conflict and the level of Western support.
The advances made in Bakhmut are a positive development for Ukraine, but the challenges and risks involved in retaking Russian-occupied territory should not be underestimated.
The situation remains fluid, and the actions taken by both Ukraine and Russia in the coming months will be crucial in determining the future course of the conflict.
International attention and support for Ukraine’s efforts will be closely monitored as the year unfolds.
