Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine has reached a critical point, with his military suffering severe losses that are pushing Russia towards strategic exhaustion. Former United States Secretary for Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, who served under Donald Trump, highlighted the dire situation, citing figures that paint a bleak picture of Russia’s capabilities. According to Wilkie, Russia has already lost more tanks fighting Ukraine than the United States did in the entirety of World War Two. In addition, he estimates that Moscow is losing between 1,700 and 2,000 troops every day, depleting its forces at an unsustainable rate.
Despite attempts to supplement troop numbers with North Korean fighters, Wilkie noted that Russia does not have sufficient manpower to continue the war indefinitely without resorting to mass conscription from Moscow and Saint Petersburg. He warned that Putin would soon face the reality that he cannot maintain his offensive without further devastating consequences for his military and economy.
The figures provide a stark contrast to Russia’s propaganda, which has long presented its military as an indomitable force. The ongoing battlefield losses suggest that Russian forces are struggling to maintain their advances and are increasingly resorting to desperate measures, including launching fresh assaults with poorly trained soldiers and outdated equipment.
The international community continues to assess the balance of power in the conflict, as Ukraine fights to maintain its territorial integrity. Talks in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian officials and Western allies have been described as constructive, focusing on securing a ceasefire and laying the groundwork for a diplomatic resolution. However, the United States is reportedly putting pressure on Ukraine to make strategic concessions, as some American officials argue that Kyiv has limited options. Wilkie drew comparisons to past U.S. diplomatic negotiations, suggesting that, like South Korea and Israel, Ukraine might need to accept a compromise while receiving long-term security guarantees from its allies.
Meanwhile, concerns persist over the European response to the conflict. Wilkie criticised NATO’s reliance on American military support, arguing that European nations have neglected their defence responsibilities for too long. He pointed out that the combined military strength of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany is smaller than the U.S. National Guard, which is only a third-tier military force in America’s defence structure. This, he argued, has left Europe vulnerable and overly dependent on Washington’s protection.
The broader geopolitical implications of the war are also shaping U.S. foreign policy. There is an ongoing debate within the Trump administration over how to balance efforts against Russia while maintaining a focus on countering China’s global influence. Some within the administration believe that weakening Russia and Iran will, in turn, undermine China, while others argue that the priority should be on confronting Beijing directly.
However, regardless of U.S. strategic priorities, one thing remains clear: Putin’s war machine is breaking down. His reliance on outdated Soviet-era tactics and his inability to sustain his military forces at the current rate of attrition mean that his options are dwindling. With Ukraine holding firm and international support still strong, the Russian leader is facing the prospect of a humiliating climbdown. The question now is whether he will acknowledge reality or continue dragging Russia further into disaster.
Be First to Comment