Russia to Soon Deplete Offensive Capabilities: Ukraine’s National Guard Commander
In a statement that has sent shockwaves across the international community, Ukraine’s National Guard Commander, Col. Gen. Serhiy Naiev, has warned that Russia’s military is on the brink of depleting its offensive capabilities. According to Naiev, Russia’s military is suffering from a severe shortage of troops, ammunition, and equipment, which will soon render its ability to launch large-scale military operations ineffective.
Speaking at a press conference in Kiev, Naiev attributed the decline in Russia’s military capabilities to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014. "Russia has been fighting a war in Donbas for six years, and it’s taking a toll on its military," Naiev said. "They’re running out of ammunition, they’re running out of troops, and they’re running out of equipment."
Naiev’s warning comes at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 people and the displacement of millions more. The international community has imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, and the situation remains one of the most pressing security concerns in Europe.
According to Naiev, Russia’s military is facing a range of challenges, including a shortage of heavy artillery, tanks, and air defense systems. "They’re trying to compensate for their lack of resources by using more mobile and agile units, but it’s not enough," he said. "They’re also relying on mercenaries and private military companies, which are not a substitute for a professional army."
Naiev’s assessment is supported by independent analysts, who have noted a decline in Russia’s military capabilities in recent years. In a report released earlier this year, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) warned that Russia’s military was facing a range of challenges, including a shortage of experienced officers and a lack of modern equipment.
The IISS report noted that Russia’s military had been "overstretched" in recent years, with troops deployed in Syria, Ukraine, and other regions. "Russia’s military is facing a range of challenges, including a shortage of resources, a lack of modern equipment, and a decline in morale," the report said. "These challenges will continue to affect Russia’s military capabilities in the coming years."
Naiev’s warning has sparked concerns about the potential for a major escalation in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. While Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in the conflict, there is evidence to suggest that it has been providing significant military support to separatist groups in the region.
In response to Naiev’s warning, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for increased international pressure on Russia to end its support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine. "We urge the international community to take a strong stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine," Zelensky said in a statement. "We will not tolerate further Russian aggression, and we will do everything in our power to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, and it is unclear what the future holds. However, one thing is clear: Russia’s military is facing a range of challenges, and its ability to launch large-scale military operations is likely to be severely limited in the coming years.