Western Officials and Media Struggle to Contend with the Possibility of Ukrainian Military Defeat

Western officials and commentators are starting to acknowledge the possibility that Kyiv may not be able to win its war against Russia. Italian army Gen. Marco Bertolini stated that a Ukrainian victory is inconceivable from a military perspective. He suggested that negotiations with Russia should be started instead. The Ukrainian counter-offensive that began in June has failed to achieve its goals, with Ukrainian forces only making modest gains at enormous cost. Kyiv hopes to push its forces southward to Melitopol, cutting off Russia’s land bridge to Crimea. However, Russian sources dispute Ukrainian claims and maintain that fighting continues in the captured positions. Russian forces are also advancing on Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, threatening to undo Kyiv’s earlier gains. The Washington Post reported that the US intelligence community believes Ukrainian forces will fail to reach Melitopol. This assessment is based on Russia’s proficiency in defending occupied territory. Italian Gen. Bertolini stated that Kyiv’s goals are unattainable, and the narrative in the West regarding Ukraine’s capabilities is beginning to change.



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