Now following seventeen months of the war one thing looks certain, there is no overt possibility towards the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine war. That unlikely peace can be realized only if a miracle takes place or new supreme commanders from both sides take over or Indian foreign supremacy intervenes with some constructive plan for both sides to be agreed upon.
Though Ukraine’s forces are compelled to confront extensive Russian fortifications along the 600-mile front line, the counteroffensive does not yet seem to go Ukraine’s way this year again.
So far only American support has been evident of the Ukraine side of the war but the NATO has not directly jumped into the war zone Probability of the war may continue with inviting the NATO presence which could be visible in the year 2024 and by the year 2025 western governments could also be seen practically standing by Ukraine.
Now looking straight into the sphere of war, it’s only Ukraine which can bring the war to an abrupt end at any time. And that’s only possible by succumbing to the proposed conditions of Russia. Ukraine has to make choices over two things, namely -how the war ends as well as what it will look like. Though the conflict might not be fully resolved until and unless Ukraine takes Russia into full confidence which appears to be a far cry.
A few unseen questions are due to be answered by Zelenski. Why did he opt for the destruction whereas the possible peace was not too far with a little bit of supporting Putin’s confidence? Putin-thoughts looked like demands to Zelenski when he did not approve to them which consequently got bigger into the shape of the war. Now this goes no where but to ruin life mainly in Ukraine.
The war between Ukraine and Russia entered into a new phase of destruction this summer with Kyiv’s launching of its much-anticipated counteroffensive. And then Zelenski hoped Ukraine would regain the upper hand.
On the other hand Ukrainian forces face a 600-mile front line along with an extensive Russian defensive fortifications which is up to 19 miles deep in some places. Ukraine in fact was awaiting even a heavier weaponry from the allies before going for the launch of its counteroffensive two months ago in June.
And on the practical grounds it soon got clear that the counteroffensive is not going to produce quick results. Nevertheless, that might be calculated in terms of retaking the territory occupied by Russia which is not at all guaranteed.
What is obvious is also been predicted by military experts that the war is likely to be prolonged. This would put huge pressure on Ukraine to fight for several more years. This is also an immense loss for its international partners too who are committing billions of dollars more in military, financial as well as humanitarian resources.
Ukraine requires to show and prove it can make progress but the question is how? Who does not know that, given the size of the force that they have, that they are not going to throw every Russian out of Ukraine in 2023.
By December 2023 both sides might think they still have more to gain by fighting but what and how? Destruction is the gain and that is only the path. Both sides are losing more than hoping to gain. For Russia it is more of a prestige issue now but for Ukraine, it’s simply the blind chase to nothing out of the hollow support from outside. It’s the people who are the sufferer and its the people who are dying fighting against each other with the guise of military representation.
Russia simply cannot give up knowing well that it can’t lose ever if it’s just Ukraine. Russia is not running out of its war-budget and Ukraine also is not short of its will to fight with a resolve not to give up the territory that’s been occupied. This adamancy from both sides might take us into 2024 and also into 2025 probably with the war.
