Putin Doubts West's Success in Ukraine Conflict
Speaking at a meeting of defense officials and political representatives in Moscow, Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed his belief that the West has failed in its attempt to devise a strategic defeat for Russia in Ukraine. Putin attributed this failure to the growing strength of Russia's armed forces and weapons production, stating that the Ukrainian counter-offensive launched in the summer of 2023 fell short of its goals.
Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, which prompted several nations to offer support and weapons to the Ukrainian forces. However, recent observations by foreign expert groups like the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that Russia has made significant gains in its advancements.
Putin has repeatedly labeled the Ukrainian counter-offensive a failure, noting that Russia has inflicted heavy losses on the Ukrainian forces and depleted their reserves significantly. The Russian president concluded that the myth of invincibility associated with Western military technology had also been debunked.
Russian Military Losses
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated during the meeting that Ukraine had suffered an estimated 383,000 soldier casualties, including deaths and injuries, in the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine alleges that Russia has lost 348,000 soldiers in the same time frame. It is important to note that neither party has officially released its loss figures.
Increased Recruitment and Modernization Efforts
To bolster Russia's military capabilities, Shoigu announced plans to increase the number of contract soldiers by more than 250,000, bringing the total to around 745,000. Russian troops will continue to be enticed by a comparatively lucrative salary of around 2,000 euros per month.
Shoigu reiterated that the primary objective for the coming year would be to continue the special military operation until all set tasks have been completed. These tasks primarily focus on gaining complete control over partially occupied regions, including Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhia, as well as demilitarizing Ukraine.
Accusations and Criticism
Putin accused the USA of having influenced the conflict in Ukraine to wage war and destroy Russia. He alleged that the West's only concern had been using Ukraine as a tool for dividing Russia and the EU on the European continent. Putin also criticized NATO's growing presence near Russia's border, such as Finland's recent membership in the military alliance following the invasion of Ukraine.
Problems in Russian Defense
Putin acknowledged problems within Russia's defense sector, emphasizing the need for more drones, enhanced air defense, and modern satcom capabilities. At the same time, he heralded the modernization of Russia's nuclear weapons, citing the deployment of four Tu-160M long-range bombers and four nuclear submarines. By year's end, 15 launch complexes for the Yars and Avangard intercontinental missiles should be operational.
Military Escalations
Just before Putin's appearance, Russian air defense systems downed a Ukrainian drone in the Moscow region, causing minor disruptions to air traffic at nearby airports. Subsequent reports indicated that restrictions had also been imposed at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports.
Ukrainian Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an invitation for a press conference under maximum security, expecting to discuss the war's progress and 2024 goals. In a push for increased defense, the Ukrainian air defense had shot down two Russian drones on Tuesday.
Enrichment Data Insights
- Russian Advancements and Objectives:
- Putin believes that Russia has achieved key objectives in the war against Ukraine, including weakening Ukraine's military and securing territorial control connecting mainland Russia to annexed Crimea.
- Recent Russian advances have been reported in the Kurakhove direction, including attacks west of Kurakhove and toward Oleksiivka and southwest of Kurakhove.
- Military Buildup and Strategy:
- Putin has praised elite Russian forces defending in Kursk Oblast, acknowledging that the Ukrainian incursion has pinned dozens of combined arms troops in the region since August 6, 2024.
- The expansion of 14 new military divisions, as announced by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in January 2023, indicates no immediate interest in negotiations or a lasting peace with Ukraine.
- Economic Impact and Domestic Support:
- Putin faces mounting challenges in terms of high borrowing costs aimed at curbing inflation, which simultaneously hinders private investment.
- Despite these challenges, a Russian state-run poll indicates that the public maintains high support for the war in Ukraine.
- Negotiation Stance:
- Putin's military force buildup, restructuring, and defense manufacturing expansion signify that he has no interest in negotiations, aiming to prolong the war.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterates that Russia's force buildup and military restructuring indicate no intention of negotiations and an ongoing commitment to the conflict.
