Putin, With a Weak Hand in Peace Poker, Tries Slow-Walking Trump’s Initiative | The New York Sun

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Key Developments in the Ukraine War

This article analyzes the current state of the war in Ukraine, focusing on Russia's slow response to peace initiatives, the impact of reduced US aid, and the increasing losses suffered by the Russian military.

Russia's Stalled Progress

Despite Putin's claims of impending victory, Russia's military advances have significantly slowed since November 2024, with monthly gains shrinking dramatically. The article cites figures from the Institute for the Study of War and Britain's defense ministry to support this.

  • Russia currently controls only 19% of Ukraine.
  • At the current rate of advance, conquering all of Ukraine would take centuries.

The high human cost of the war is also highlighted, with an estimated 1,374 Russian soldiers killed or severely wounded daily since January 1st, resulting in potentially half a million casualties this year alone.

Material Losses and Resource Depletion

Russia's military is suffering not only high human losses but also substantial material losses. Western observers describe the "de-mechanization" of the Russian army due to the depletion of armored vehicles and trucks.

  • Russia has lost 22,150 armored personnel carriers and 44,399 jeeps and trucks.
  • They are resorting to using older, outdated vehicles, and even resorting to recruiting Chinese mercenaries.

Furthermore, Russia's reliance on North Korean artillery shells shows the strain on its resources.

Political Landscape and International Response

The article contrasts the differing approaches of the US and Germany regarding the conflict. While the Trump administration has blocked condemnation of Russian actions and stalled US aid to Ukraine, the incoming German government is planning to provide Ukraine with more advanced weaponry.

  • Friedrich Merz, Germany's presumptive chancellor, plans to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
  • He views Russia's Sumy bombing as a war crime.

The article suggests that the current trajectory of the war, characterized by high Russian losses and stalled progress, may warrant a more assertive approach from the United States.

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