Political impacts of Ukraine war

[Eaglelord17]

Can the Ukrainians push back Russia to the border without foreign boots on the ground, relying on aid and equipment alone?
Can they do it before they run out of manpower?

Can Russia take Ukraine with the equipment and manpower they currently possess? They are already relying on North Korean ammo and manpower.

It isn't just a matter of Ukraine lacking supplies, Russia isn't exactly doing great either. They can't even evict the Ukrainians from Russia, do they have the combat power to keep advancing at this exceptionally slow and costly rate? They took only 4168sq/km in 2024. At a cost of approximately 427,000 Russians killed or wounded. Not to mention that none of that 4168sq/km is of any particular strategic value. It looks good if your trying to look better at the bargaining table (much like the foolish attacks right at the end of WWI), but if there is no table (which without security guarantees for Ukraine there won't be) it might have been just a waste.

Is this sustainable for Russia?

 

[OldSolduer]

he has also consistently undermined Taiwan verbally. I know were not supposed to take what he says seriously but...

I understand what you are saying. It is like listening to a three year old have tantrums when they don't get their way.

BUT this three year old - DJT - controls nuclear weapons. I only hope that the military remembers they swore allegiance to the Constitution and not the office of the President. As for obeying orders of the President - they have to be legal orders. I am no lawyer but I would think there are some who would not obey His Donaldship.

Oath of Enlistment​

I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointe

 

[suffolkowner]

I understand what you are saying. It is like listening to a three year old have tantrums when they don't get their way.

BUT this three year old - DJT - controls nuclear weapons. I only hope that the military remembers they swore allegiance to the Constitution and not the office of the President. As for obeying orders of the President - they have to be legal orders. I am no lawyer but I would think there are some who would not obey His Donaldship.

Oath of Enlistment​

I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointe

disobeying an active order to do something is one thing. No ones going to order the US military to defend Taiwan over the Presidents objections. Taiwans on its own

 

[suffolkowner]

Can Russia take Ukraine with the equipment and manpower they currently possess? They are already relying on North Korean ammo and manpower.

It isn't just a matter of Ukraine lacking supplies, Russia isn't exactly doing great either. They can't even evict the Ukrainians from Russia, do they have the combat power to keep advancing at this exceptionally slow and costly rate? They took only 4168sq/km in 2024. At a cost of approximately 427,000 Russians killed or wounded. Not to mention that none of that 4168sq/km is of any particular strategic value. It looks good if your trying to look better at the bargaining table (much like the foolish attacks right at the end of WWI), but if there is no table (which without security guarantees for Ukraine there won't be) it might have been just a waste.

Is this sustainable for Russia?

the non US west need to replace the US contribution of 20-30%. Mostly a munitions problem. Might as well use that Russian money

 

[Brad Sallows]

That aged like milk in August

I didn't read anything in that about mutual defence commitments or other characteristics of an alliance. Perhaps I missed something, and you could point it out.

 

[Brad Sallows]

Can Russia take Ukraine with the equipment and manpower they currently possess?

Is this sustainable for Russia?

"Probably not" is the likely answer to both. Extrapolations are risky, particularly in wartime. Things have a way of happening "slowly at first, and then all at once". A sudden partial collapse on either side would change everything.

 

[GK .Dundas]

he has also consistently undermined Taiwan verbally. I know were not supposed to take what he says seriously but...

I suspect that there are a bunch rather frustrated Chinese Intel types who are responsible for staging diversions, for a possible invasion.
I mean who needs you when you've got Donald Trump...

 

[Czech_pivo]

"Probably not" is the likely answer to both. Extrapolations are risky, particularly in wartime. Things have a way of happening "slowly at first, and then all at once". A sudden partial collapse on either side would change everything.

This coming summer offensive season will be telling for both sides. This could be a 'make it or break it' time period for both sides.

The winter months are coming to a close, so Russia's chance to 'freeze out' the Ukrainians is now gone. If either side can punch through somewhere and drive fast and create panic in the rear somewhere, it could be the sudden collapse you are referring to.

The US's actions might just be enough to cause an uptick in Ukrainian recruiting efforts and by July/Aug that could be enough to start this process. I just don't see the Russians getting that some sort of uptick - only if Russia starts to strong arm people.