Moscow‘s Strategic Setback: Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,036 – Al Jazeera”>Ukraine War Drags On, but Escalations Loom
Mark Galeotti, a leading Kremlin-watcher, delivers a stark assessment: "Moscow is losing this war, but Kiev is also losing, just faster." The protracted conflict in Ukraine, entering its third year, shows no signs of abating, with pundits forecasting a continuation well into 2025.
Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territories is proving costly, with an estimated economic burden surpassing $100 billion. Yet, President Putin remains undeterred, doggedly pursuing his objectives. Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, are cautiously advancing in the east, reclaiming swathes of territory, albeit at a price.
Thirty-nine days into the spring offensive, Ukraine has retaken approximately 3,000 square kilometers from Russian control. However, this progress comes at a significant cost in lives and armaments, worrying international observers.
Domestically, Russia faces mounting pressure, with an increasing number of elites questioning the wisdom of the war. Internationally, however, there’s little appetite for direct intervention, leaving the conflict to grind on.
Speculation mounts about the potential impact of a Donald Trump presidency on US-Ukraine relations. Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, has been staunch in his support for Ukraine, providing substantial military aid. A Trump victory in 2024 could significantly alter the US stance, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
As the conflict rumbles on, calls for a diplomatic solution grow louder. Yet, with hardliners entrenched on both sides, hopes for a swift resolution dim. The war in Ukraine continues to defy easy predictions, its endgame as elusive as ever.
