Ukraine needs to transition into a defensive posture, even in the face of the potential loss of certain territories – The Wall Street Journal

Ukraine needs to transition into a defensive posture, even in the face of the potential loss of certain territories.

Such opinions are expressed in an article by The Wall Street Journal on the situation on the front lines.

“It’s a trench deadlock,” said a high-ranking representative of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). “A general offensive is impossible for either side. No one will be able to break through,” he added.

A high-ranking NATO representative told the publication that Russia likely lacks the resources for a significant offensive this year. Therefore, Ukrainian forces might have an advantage “defending in the snow.”

Considering the “limited ability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to seize the initiative on the battlefield,” experts say the safest course of action is to transition to defense and force Russia to expend its troops.

According to Dmitry Gorenburg, an expert on security issues at the American organization CNA, this approach may lead to “small territorial losses for Ukraine,” but it can help to regroup and strengthen.

Nevertheless, even with a shift to defense, the next phase of the war looks “increasingly dangerous” for Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials acknowledge that a prolonged war is more advantageous for Russia, which has shifted its economy onto a war footing and may have a higher mobilization capacity.

The West, for now, cannot provide Ukraine with the necessary support for a quick victory.

“There is no silver bullet that could change the situation in the short term,” said Douglas Lute, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO.