More than 20 months after the Russian invasion, Ukrainian commander Valeriy Zalushnyi finds his country trapped in trench warfare. Only a technological leap could provide a way out of this situation, wrote the general in an article for the British magazine “The Economist”.
“Trench warfare lasts a long time and carries enormous risks for Ukraine’s armed forces and the state.” The battlefield standstill only helps Russia compensate for its army losses, Saluzhnyj said.
Ukraine particularly needs aircraft, he wrote. The lack of air cover is considered one of the reasons why the Ukrainian ground offensive has made little progress this summer. Kiev can only expect the promised F-16 fighters from several countries next year.
“Russia should not be underestimated”
Improved Ukrainian drones should compensate for the lack of combat aircraft, the general concluded. The key to success in drone warfare is improved electronic warfare to disrupt and intercept Russian aircraft. Russia is superior in this regard. The Ukrainian army also needs to be better equipped to counter Russian artillery positions and clear mines.
“Russia should not be underestimated,” wrote the commander in chief. The enemy has lost many soldiers and President Vladimir Putin is reluctant to undertake a general mobilization, but Ukraine is also having trouble accumulating reserves. The circle of men subject to military service must be expanded.