by Giuseppe Sarcina
According to the former US security adviser, Soledar’s victory is an important one for the Russians, but not a turning point
An important victory for the Russians. But the war remains in limbo: spring will be decisive. Gen. Keith Kellogg, 78, served as Vice President Mike Pence’s national security adviser and then briefly held the same position with Donald Trump. a veteran of three wars: Vietnam, the Gulf Conflict and the invasion of Iraq. Now co-president of the Center for American Security, a conservative-leaning research center in Washington.
Can the Battle of Soledar mark a turning point?
Certainly a remarkable success for the Russians. The first after spending six months in a nightmare, practically in a meat grinder. Objectively good news for Moscow. But I think it’s just one chapter in a very long book. No turning point or even a turning point. For the past few weeks, we’ve essentially seen skirmishes between the two sides. This will continue for the rest of the winter. It’s cold there, there’s snow. I don’t see the conditions for a shoulder.
Will the war hang in the balance until spring?
I really think so. At that moment, the armies will receive the necessary reinforcements and will be able to move on the ground again. I expect a double offensive. Both the Russians and the Ukrainians will launch the attack. There could be a big fight.
It’s really asking too much of me. hard to tell. The Ukrainian army looks very confident now, but the Kremlin will mobilize a large number of soldiers and equipment. The fight could get really angry.
Do you see room for negotiation?
The battlefield will determine what the margins for a negotiation will be. First, there must be a clear winner. Then the negotiations begin.
Meanwhile, the West continues to arm Kyiv. You have been very critical of Europeans in the past. Recently, however, signs of greater commitment have come from Brussels and Berlin. agree?
Yes, Europeans are beginning to deliver more and higher quality funds. I see the British move; Germans and Poles discuss sending Leopard tanks; the French are ready to deploy Amx 10 armored vehicles. But the European states still have a long way to go, considering that the United States has so far supplied 75% of the armaments made available to Zelenskyy.
You are Republicans. Do you think the conservative majority in the House of Representatives will cut military aid to Kyiv?
There will be a transparency operation. American taxpayers need to know exactly how the money earmarked for Ukraine was spent. I think Republicans will call for a reduction in waste.
January 14, 2023 (change January 14, 2023 | 08:49)
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