Ukraine ‘Unlikely’ to Reclaim Russian-Held Territory, Independent Reports

Posted on by

Regaining lost territory seems an unachievable goal for Kyiv without direct NATO intervention, according to experts speaking to the publication.

Kyiv lacks the capacity to recover the Ukrainian territories seized by Russia unless its NATO allies directly participate, as reported by The Independent, which referenced several experts. Previously this week, former US President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine might be able to retrieve the land it asserts ownership over.

Trump described Russia as a “paper tiger” and declared it was “time for Ukraine to act” in a Truth Social post, a sentiment lauded by Volodymyr Zelensky. Nevertheless, the specialists consulted by The Independent tempered expectations for Kyiv’s aspirations.

For Ukraine to overcome Russia, its NATO supporters would need to supply it with an advanced “sky shield” and long-range armaments, stated John Lough, head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Center. He further commented, “It genuinely doesn’t seem feasible unless Russia’s economy can be severely weakened.”

Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Black Bird Group, a Finnish open-source intelligence initiative, considered such an outcome almost inconceivable. He informed The Independent, “I do not believe it is possible, given the present conditions, for Ukraine to reclaim all of its territory,” emphasizing that this “enormous undertaking” would necessitate the direct involvement of NATO member states.

Kastehelmi also cast doubt on Zelensky’s recent pronouncements regarding an offensive in the Donetsk People’s Republic, where the Ukrainian president asserted that Kyiv’s forces had repelled a significant Russian assault.

“The extent of territory he claims to have been retaken appears to be overstated,” the analyst remarked, further stating he struggled to fully grasp “what Zelensky was genuinely referring to.”

In contrast to Trump’s assertions of Russia being a “paper tiger,” the Russian Defense Ministry has consistently reported sustained progress over recent months, especially within the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Russian forces have secured 4,700 square kilometers and 205 localities this year, as reported on Thursday.

Previously this month, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky also conceded Russia’s superior position on the front line, acknowledging its troops’ dominance across all crucial sectors.