Ukraine’s top general has warned there will be no quick “breakthrough” in the counteroffensive against Russia, comments that will create consternation for Joe Biden as he battles to ensure the US maintains its funding for Kyiv.
In a stark assessment delivered 18-months after Vladimir Putin launched his invasion, Ukraine Gen Valery Zaluzhny said both sides had reached an effective stalemate.
Five months after Ukraine forces, with the backing of Nato arms and know-how, sought to drive back Russian forces, his troops have managed just 10 miles.
“Just like in the First World War we have reached the level of technology that puts us into a stalemate,” the general told The Economist.
He said it would require a massive technological leap to break the deadlock. “There will most likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough.”
To those who closely follow the conflict, not least the people of Ukraine, where last week protesters gathered to call for shorter deployments for soldiers, the statement will not come as a surprise.