2023-11-02 11:20:33
More than 20 months following the Russian invasion, Ukrainian commander Valeriy Zalushnyi sees his country trapped in a trench warfare.
Only a technological leap might provide a way out of this, the general wrote in an article for the British magazine «The Economist» from Wednesday. “A trench war takes a long time and poses enormous risks for the armed forces of Ukraine and for the state.” Standstill on the battlefield only helps Russia to compensate for the losses of its army.
Ukraine especially needs aircraft, Saluzhnyj wrote. The lack of cover from the air is considered to be one reason why the Ukrainian ground offensive has made little progress this summer. Kiev can only expect the promised F-16 fighter jets from various countries next year.
Improved Ukrainian drones must make up for the lack of combat aircraft, the general concluded. The key to success in drone warfare is improved electronic warfare to disrupt and intercept Russian aircraft. Russia is superior on this point.
Grueling trench warfare: A Ukrainian soldier stands in a trench near Mykolaiv, Ukraine.
FUNKE Foto Services
The Ukrainian army also needs to be better equipped to combat Russian artillery positions. “Currently we have achieved parity with Russia through smaller but more accurate firepower. But this won’t last,” Saluzhny wrote. Ukraine also needs modern equipment for mine clearance because the Russian army has created mine belts up to 20 kilometers deep.
“Russia must not be underestimated,” wrote the commander-in-chief. The enemy has lost many soldiers and President Vladimir Putin is afraid of general mobilization. But Ukraine also has problems building up reserves. The circle of men subject to military service must be expanded.
Unlike the recapture of large areas last year, Ukrainian hopes of gaining territory have hardly been fulfilled this summer. However, Ukrainian defenders have weakened Russia’s position in Crimea and driven the Russian navy out of the western Black Sea. President Volodymyr Zelensky and his leadership maintain the liberation of all occupied territories as a war goal.
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