Ukraine Can Win the War. But the Cost May Be Too High for the West.

The Wall Street Journal ^ | Dec. 11, 2022 | Daniel Michaels

[MinorityRepublican]

Ukrainian leaders have vowed to retake all territory occupied by Russia, prompting a debate over what would be necessary for Ukraine to win and evict Moscow’s forces.

The answer is primarily military because Russia is only going to abandon its hard-won gains if its troops suffer catastrophic losses, military strategists say. Behind those talks about weapons and ammunition is a deeper political question as Ukraine’s battlefield fortunes rely heavily on the willingness of Western governments to continue their multibillion-dollar military assistance to Kyiv.

And pushing Russian forces out of the entrenched positions they hold in more than 15% of Ukraine’s territory will require an even greater flow of military support—possibly more than the West is willing and able to bear.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told The Wall Street Journal last Monday that the U.S. would support Kyiv in recovering territory Russia has grabbed since launching its large-scale invasion on Feb. 24, suggesting that Washington might not back Ukraine militarily in retaking areas that Russia seized in 2014, including the Crimean Peninsula.

Ukrainian leaders have vowed to retake all territory occupied by Russia, prompting a debate over what would be necessary for Ukraine to win and evict Moscow’s forces.

The answer is primarily military because Russia is only going to abandon its hard-won gains if its troops suffer catastrophic losses, military strategists say. Behind those talks about weapons and ammunition is a deeper political question as Ukraine’s battlefield fortunes rely heavily on the willingness of Western governments to continue their multibillion-dollar military assistance to Kyiv.

And pushing Russian forces out of the entrenched positions they hold in more than 15% of Ukraine’s territory will require an even greater flow of military support—possibly more than the West is willing and able to bear.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Ukraine was never going to win this war. western aid has just prolonged the misery.

[Kazan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5EpNNwbRag

Update on Russian military operations in Ukraine for December 21, 2022:

- Pentagon admits Russia is gaining ground in Bakhmut; - Zelensky visit to Bakhmut mirrors similar visit to Lysychansk before it fell to Russian forces;
- Western media admits Russia has Ukraine outgunned 6 to 1 in Bakhmut;
- Claims that Russian losses are as significant as catastrophic toll Ukraine is suffering in Bakhmut does not reflect reality if Russia outguns Ukraine significantly;
- Bakhmut is a significant transportation hub and a crucial fortified position along one of Ukraine's last major defensive lines in the east;
- The fall of Bakhmut may lead to a similar breakthrough like Popasna;
- Russian forces appear interested in destroying Ukraine's military at Bakhmut more than taking the city itself;

[jpsb]

Ukraine’s battlefield fortunes rely heavily on the willingness of Western governments to continue

Look how far the once great WSJ has fallen, the above is an out right lie. Western govs have done very little to help the Ukraine. It's been the USA that has done all the heavy lifting. But thank goodness that is going to change with the new GOP controlled Congress. Not one more dollar for the Ukraines' eastern border until our southern border is secured.

[jpsb]

Yeah, you're right! That 14-year-old hussy

You win the stupidest comment thus far today but it's still early so ......

[MinorityRepublican]

Western govs have done very little to help the Ukraine.

If I read correctly, Ukranians went to England for training.

[ansel12]

Western governments have done much.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1303432/total-bilateral-aid-to-ukraine/

[gleeaikin]

An excellent list of reasons to support Ukraine. For those who don’t know, in 2012 Ukraine signed exploration contracts with major US oil companies to seek gas and oil around Crimea as well as in and near the Donbas. If you thought Putin suddenly developed a concern for the Russian speakers in Crimea in 2014, think again. The exploration contracts became toast, with that invasion and the “little green men” fomenting struggle in eastern Ukraine.

Personally, I can’t think of a more necessary way for my tax dollars to be spent. This fall two of my grandsons have joined the US army, and I am both proud and worried.