Ukraine's former commander-in-chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, has warned that escaping the current protracted war with Russia may be nearly impossible.
Speaking at Chatham House on October 17, Zaluzhnyi reflected on how the conflict has dragged into a stalemate due to insufficient weapon support from the West in 2023, according to a Kyiv Independent report.
During his speech, Zaluzhnyi pointed out that in 2023, Ukraine lacked enough weapons to achieve a decisive victory in its counteroffensive efforts.
This, he believes, has led to the "protracted war" Ukraine finds itself in today.
"In my personal opinion, a way out of this protracted war seems... almost impossible," Zaluzhnyi said.
The general had expressed similar concerns back in November 2023 during an interview with The Economist, calling the situation a "stalemate."
His remarks have contrasted with the more optimistic tone often presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky and his administration, causing some internal tension.
A War of Attrition
Zaluzhnyi warned that the conflict is transitioning into a "positional" stage, where both sides are entrenched in static fighting.
This allows Russia to slowly rebuild its military strength while Ukraine struggles to hold the line, especially in the Donetsk Oblast region, where Russian forces have concentrated their efforts.
Recent developments have seen Ukrainian forces losing ground in key areas like Vuhledar, and Russia is now focusing its attacks on towns such as Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Kurakhove.
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Ukrainian troops continue to resist under immense pressure.
