Additional Coverage:
- Ukraine is finally getting to hit Russia hard with its ‘wonder-weapons,’ and that’s turning the tide of the war: military expert (newsbreak.com)
During a visit to a military training area in Germany on June 11, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was photographed in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. This visit symbolizes a moment of optimism for Ukraine, according to insights shared by a recently retired UK colonel.
Ukraine has seen several victories, notably following the green light to directly target Russian military operations. These developments come amidst warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin of potential retaliation against Ukraine’s Western supporters.
A significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics has been noted since Ukraine began employing advanced weaponry against Russian forces. This strategic change, according to the retired UK colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon in a Telegraph commentary, signifies Ukraine’s emerging advantage over Russia. De Bretton-Gordon, who has an extensive military background including leadership roles within the British Army and NATO’s CBRN units, emphasized the critical support from Western nations, especially the United DPI, allowing Ukraine to extend its military reach into Russian territory.
Reports from Politico last month disclosed that the Biden administration approved Ukraine’s use of American-supplied weapons for strikes within the Kharkiv region, following a Russian offensive aimed at Ukraine’s second-largest city. Nonetheless, the U.S. has maintained stipulations on how Ukraine employs these capabilities, focusing primarily on the Kharkiv front but also indirectly enabling attacks in other locations.
Recent successful Ukrainian operations mentioned by de Bretton-Gordon include drone attacks on Russian naval assets in Taganrog Bay and the Akhtubinsk airfield, leading to the destruction of Russia’s cutting-edge Su-57 fighter bomber. These victories underscore a strategic shift, as Ukraine moves from a defensive stance to putting significant pressure on Russian forces.
However, de Bretton-Gordon warned of the unsustainable nature of the conflict for Russia, pointing to considerable losses that challenge Russia’s ability to continue its current level of military engagement. Yet, the advancements made by Ukraine also raise concerns about potential escalations from Russia. Putin has previously indicated that NATO countries, particularly those in Europe that support direct Ukrainian action, could face consequences.
Requests for comments from the defense ministries of Ukraine and Russia had not been returned at the time the information was gathered. For more details, the original report is available on Business Insider.