Ukraine is once again strengthening its position in the war against Russia, and according to experts, its victory is becoming more and more likely. In an article for The Telegraph, the former military attaché of Norway in Ukraine, Hans Petter Midttun, expressed his belief that the situation at the front is changing in favor of Kyiv, and that the Ukrainian armed forces can succeed in confronting the Russian aggressors.
A particularly important factor, which, according to Midttun, can change the course of the war, is the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region of Russia. This operation, which began at the beginning of August, has already led to the liberation of more than 1,000 km² of territory, and this is only the beginning. The creation of a military command under the leadership of Major General Eduard Moskalyov is a clear signal that the Ukrainian army intends to consolidate its successes in the region and continue to pressure Russian forces.
One of the key advantages of Ukraine, Midttun notes, is its ability to increase the production of the defense industry with the support of Western partners. At the same time, Russia has already reached its production peak and is facing serious problems, in particular, a shortage of labor, which is estimated at 4.8 million people. The desperate situation forces Moscow to involve teenagers, elderly people and even prisoners in the war.
In addition, Western sanctions have significantly limited Russia's capabilities in the production of high-tech weapons and their development. This means that the Russian Federation is gradually depleting its stocks of old equipment, and its ability to maintain its military potential is declining.
Midttun emphasizes that Ukraine is actively using technological innovations to counter Russia's numerical superiority. Thanks to Western support, Kyiv is gradually winning over Moscow, although this process takes time. Ammunition production in Ukraine, the United States, and Europe is increasing, and restrictions on the use of Western weapons are gradually being lifted, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russia.
The cost of war for Russia is becoming more and more unbearable. According to data as of August 16, 2024, the total losses of Russian troops in Ukraine amount to approximately 596,950 people. In particular, during small territorial advances in eastern Ukraine, the Russians suffered huge losses, which only emphasizes the high costs that Russia bears in its aggressive campaign
