Former Pentagon chief warns that Russia has regained momentum in Ukraine

Russian Forces Regain Momentum in Ukraine

Former Secretary of Defense Robert⁢ Gates has revealed​ that Russian forces have “regained momentum” following Ukraine’s withdrawal from the city of Avdiivka. The Ukrainian forces were overwhelmed and ultimately⁤ had to ⁤retreat from⁢ the city over the weekend. This development ⁤has raised⁣ concerns among U.S. leaders, who warn that Russia ‍could ⁢seize more⁣ Ukrainian territory if immediate aid is not provided.

A Shift in⁢ the⁢ Balance of Power

“A lot of people are‍ referring​ to the war, at this point, as a stalemate. I’m afraid I believe that at this point, it’s actually not⁤ so much a⁢ stalemate, but that the Russians have regained momentum,” Gates explained during a Washington Post live event on Wednesday. “It’s not breakthrough kind of momentum, but it is the sense that they are ​now the⁢ ones pressing ‌the offensive. The ⁤loss of Avdiivka was important.”

Both Ukrainian and U.S. leaders have highlighted‍ the shortage of crucial military equipment,‍ such as artillery, as a contributing factor to Ukraine’s‍ setbacks. They have also pointed out that​ Congress’s ​failure to pass a supplemental bill for additional aid has exacerbated the situation.

Ammunition Shortages and Delayed Support

Ukrainian Foreign Minister⁤ Dmytro Kuleba‌ emphasized that “we wouldn’t lose Avdiivka if we had received all the artillery ​ammunition that we needed to‍ defend it.” Gates echoed this sentiment, criticizing⁤ the slow and often delayed response ⁤from the⁤ U.S. ⁤administration in providing advanced weaponry to Ukraine. He revealed that there were instances where the United States initially denied Ukrainian military ​requests, only to reverse their decision later.

Despite Ukraine’s continued resistance, the loss ‍of Avdiivka could⁣ potentially foreshadow ‍further⁢ defeats if the U.S. fails to secure additional funding. Pentagon officials warn that⁢ Ukraine’s defeat in Avdiivka is a significant setback.

The Changing Landscape

Russia currently ‌controls about 108,268 square kilometers, which accounts for approximately‍ 17.92% of Ukraine’s territory. This is a decrease from the height⁤ of its occupation on ⁢March 23, 2022, when Russia ⁣controlled 161,774 square kilometers, or​ 26.7% of Ukraine’s territory. The ⁤conflict has​ taken a toll on⁣ Russia ‍as⁣ well, with approximately 315,000 casualties reported by U.S. officials over the past two years.

It ⁢is crucial for the ​international community to address the escalating situation in Ukraine⁤ and provide the necessary support⁤ to prevent further territorial gains by Russia.

Click ⁣here to read more from The Washington Examiner.

What are⁣ the potential consequences of failing to support ⁣Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and regaining control of⁢ its territory

Rather a steady push forward.” This ​assessment from Gates, who ⁣served as Secretary of Defense under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, ‌underscores the seriousness of the situation ‌in Ukraine.

The city of Avdiivka, located in eastern Ukraine, has been a hotspot ‌in the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. Ukrainian troops had been holding their ground ‌in the city, but they were eventually overwhelmed by a surge ‍in Russian forces. As a result, they were⁢ forced to retreat over the weekend, giving up control of the city.

This development is significant not only because it marks a shift ⁢in the balance of power between Ukraine and Russia but also because ‍it has raised concerns among‌ U.S. leaders. The retreat from Avdiivka ⁤has exposed the vulnerable position of Ukrainian forces, making them susceptible to further Russian aggression. Without immediate aid, it is feared‍ that⁣ Russia could seize more Ukrainian territory, escalating the conflict ⁤even further.

The United States has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine throughout the crisis. It‍ has provided‍ military assistance and economic aid to help the country defend its sovereignty​ and territorial integrity. However, with​ the recent events ​in ⁣Avdiivka, U.S. leaders are calling for increased support to prevent further Russian ⁢advances.

Senator John McCain, chairman of the⁤ Senate Armed ​Services Committee,​ has urged the Trump administration to ⁢provide lethal ⁣defensive weapons to Ukraine. He argues that doing so would not only help Ukraine deter ⁤Russian aggression but ‍also send⁢ a strong message to Moscow⁢ that the⁢ United States⁤ will not⁢ tolerate further encroachments on Ukraine’s territory.

Other U.S. officials have stressed the importance of⁣ diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Secretary of ⁣State Antony Blinken has spoken with his​ Ukrainian counterpart,‍ emphasizing the need for ​a peaceful solution and reaffirming U.S. support⁣ for Ukraine’s sovereignty. The United States, along with its European allies, is also working to hold Russia accountable for its destabilizing actions in Ukraine through economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it is clear ​that immediate ​action is necessary. The retreat from​ Avdiivka has highlighted the increased momentum of Russian forces and ⁣the vulnerability of Ukrainian‍ troops. U.S. leaders are calling for a combination ⁤of military assistance, diplomatic efforts, and economic sanctions ⁣to counter Russian aggression⁤ and support Ukraine’s efforts to regain control of its territory.

In the face of renewed Russian momentum,⁣ it is imperative that the international community rally behind Ukraine. The stakes are high, not only for Ukraine but also for ‌regional stability and the principles of sovereignty ⁤and territorial integrity. Failure to act decisively could have ⁤far-reaching⁤ consequences, allowing Russia to further assert its influence and undermine global security.

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