If Ukraine had listened to the advice of the Americans, its combat power would have been wiped out in days, – WSJ
The offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has reached a critical point, signaling a potential breaking point for Russia’s military lines. To ensure the success of this offensive, it is crucial for Kyiv to receive military support in the form of weapons and ammunition, rather than just free evaluations and advice on promotion. This perspective was shared by Seth Cropsey, the president of the Yorktown Institute and a former Navy officer and Pentagon official, in his recent column for the WSJ.
Cropsey emphasized that the lack of experience has led to a deficiency in professional analysis of Ukraine’s efforts. Both the American and Russian militaries have lacked experienced adversaries since the collapse of the USSR, making it difficult to accurately assess and compare their strategies. He specifically criticized the current opinion among American military leaders, suggesting that Ukraine should focus on one crucial city in the Zaporizhzhia region. Cropsey argued that this approach is flawed, as the enemy has strong defense lines and mobile reserves, and neither side has control of the air. He warned that attempting to break through without manipulating Russian forces would be disastrous, regardless of calls for an American-style strike from the West.
Cropsey also highlighted the potential consequences of heeding the advice of American media outlets like the Washington Post and the New York Times. If Ukraine had deployed half a dozen brigades against a powerful Russian defense, it would have allowed Russia to concentrate its reserves and wipe out Ukraine’s combat power in just a few days. This stands in contrast to the current strategy employed by Ukraine, which aims for a methodical and cautious advancement to ensure long-term success.
In recent weeks, there have been criticisms that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is moving too slowly. However, both the military and Ukrainian authorities have responded by explaining that the presence of Russian mines in the south of Ukraine hinders rapid progress. Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov dismissed these criticisms, stating that the war in Ukraine is not a Hollywood blockbuster and that everything is proceeding according to plan. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba rebuked the critics, equating their statements about the slowness of the counteroffensive to disrespecting the sacrifices made by Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines. He advised them to come to Ukraine and try to make any progress themselves before passing judgment.
Overall, the Ukrainian offensive has reached a tipping point, and it is essential for Kyiv to receive the necessary military support in the form of weapons and ammunition to ensure success. The lack of experience in assessing such conflicts has hindered professional analysis, making it crucial to rely on strategic decisions rather than free evaluations. Despite criticism about the speed of the counteroffensive, Ukrainian authorities maintain that their approach is deliberate and well-planned, taking into account the challenges they face on the ground.
