1/9 In nearly three years, russia has endured over 700,000 casualties, mobilized troops, emptied prisons, relied on mercenaries, and faced an overheating economy—yet it controls significantly less territory than it did in March 2022. What an absolute failure!
2/9 russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine, down from around 30% at the end of March 2022. Despite its efforts, the invasion has been a costly failure. Have you ever seen a successful invasion where the invader loses ground over time?
3/9 - 0 out of 23: that's the number of regional capitals and special status cities currently occupied by russia from those held by Ukraine at the start of the full-scale war. What a terrible failure!
4/9 Despite sacrificing its future with over 700,000 total casualties (potentially more) and an overheating economy, russia now controls less territory than it did three weeks into the full-scale invasion and is unlikely to achieve its initial strategic objectives in this war.
5/9 In addition to failing to meet its initial strategic objectives, russia is still battling on its own territory in the Kursk region, where Ukraine humiliated russia with an attack in August. russia has yet to push them out. Absolutely pathetic!
6/9 The situation is unlikely to improve for russia, as its economy is overheating due to the war and the significant labor shortage it has caused, while its Soviet-era stockpiles of equipment are also dwindling.
7/9 The saddest part is that this war is not only a costly failure, but also an unprovoked conflict initiated by Putin to satisfy his imperial ambitions. He has jeopardized his country's future and caused unnecessary Ukrainian deaths, all while failing to achieve his objectives.
8/9 Before any negotiations start, the West needs to realize that time is not on russia's side, and russia does not deserve any concessions. Additionally, russia is not genuinely interested in pursuing peace.
9/9 Sources:
The Carnegie Endowment - russia’s Economic Gamble: The Hidden Costs of War-Driven Growth
ISW
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