The Vietnam War holds valuable lessons for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, argues Oleksandr Daniliuk, a Ukrainian security expert.
Comparison to North Vietnam
Writing for the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Daniliuk highlights parallels between the two conflicts and suggests that strategies from Vietnam could help Ukraine secure a peace agreement within the next two years.
According to Ziare Daniliuk, a former Ukrainian national security official, asserts that success hinges on creating conditions that make it unsustainable for Russia to continue the war.
Drawing comparisons, he points out that North Vietnam’s victory was enabled by robust Soviet and Chinese support, which countered U.S. military superiority.
This included advanced weapons, logistical backing, and tens of thousands of Chinese troops handling non-combat operations, freeing up Vietnamese forces for frontline duties.
A Costly Endavor
For the U.S., the Vietnam War became a costly endeavor. The financial burden led to inflation and widespread domestic unrest, eventually forcing a withdrawal after over a decade of fighting.
Daniliuk believes similar pressure could be applied to Russia through economic and strategic measures.
While Ukraine does not rely on foreign troops, it benefits from advanced technology and Western weaponry. Daniliuk suggests that stabilizing the frontlines and halting Russian advances should be immediate priorities.
Western allies could bolster Ukraine’s air defense by providing fighter jets equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles to counter Russian bombers.
Supporting Ukraine’s production of Neptune cruise missiles to target Russian airbases is another viable strategy.
Economic measures are also critical. Reducing global oil prices would cut into Russia’s primary revenue source, replicating the economic pressure that contributed to the Soviet Union’s collapse in the 1980s.
However, persuading major oil producers like Saudi Arabia to sustain lower prices remains a challenge.
Daniliuk warns that failure to adopt such a comprehensive strategy risks depleting Ukraine’s resources and weakening Western resolve.
This would enable Russia to execute its own multidimensional approach, leaving Ukraine vulnerable and potentially relegating Kyiv to a list of geopolitical defeats alongside Kabul and Saigon.
