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According to a retired UK colonel, Ukraine is gaining momentum in their ongoing conflicts. Wednesday’s update suggests that Ukraine has secured some victories due to the sanction it received to directly strike Russian military targets. Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has signalled possible retaliatory actions against Ukraine’s Western allies in response.
As per the retired UK colonel’s insights, Ukraine’s access to “wonder-weapons” and subsequent strikes on Russian military targets have started to alleviate the intense pressure of the war. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, in a commentary published on Wednesday, stated that Ukraine has been forced into a one-sided engagement against Russia so far.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon’s 23-year military career with the British Army included several key appointments. He held the position of the commanding officer of the UK’s Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Regiment from 2004-2006 and led NATO’s Rapid Reaction CBRN Battalion from 2005-2007.
Ukraine can now, due to permissions from various Western countries, especially the United States, target locations deep within Russia, the retired UK colonel elaborated.
In May, the Biden administration granted Ukraine the right to use US-provided weaponry on Russian targets in Kharkiv, as reported by Politico. This marked the beginning of Russia’s summer offensive against Ukraine’s second-largest city, with Russian forces assaulting the region.
De Bretton-Gordon highlighted the Ukrainian army’s recent successes, including drone strikes on Russian naval vessels at Taganrog Bay and Akhtubinsk airfield in Southern Russia. One particular strike resulted in the destruction of Russia’s latest stealth aircraft, the Su-57 fighter bomber.
De Bretton-Gordon also pointed out the unsustainability of Russia’s current casualty rates, which are over half a million. Russia cannot merely rely on attritional warfare in such circumstances.
However, with the recent victories, Ukraine runs the risk of inciting further escalation from Russia. President Vladimir Putin has hinted at potential retaliation against European nations encouraging Ukraine’s direct attacks on Russia.
Putin issued a clear warning to European NATO officials, especially from smaller European countries, to fully comprehend the potential implications before discussing the idea of striking Russian territory. Both Ukrainian and Russian defense ministries are yet to respond to request for comments.
