Russia is in a Very Serious Situation - General David Petraeus

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Former US Army General David Petraeus joins the Renew Democracy Initiative to offer his insights on Ukraine's swift victories in the northeast and its implications for Vladimir Putin, Russia’s deteriorating military system in the face of Ukrainian resilience, and what the future may hold for Ukraine’s military on their path to securing freedom.

Ukrainian forces are advancing in the northeast region, causing massive setbacks for the Kremlin. General Petraeus discusses the Russian response as they attempt to put out the fires ignited by the Ukrainian counteroffensive, stating that the Kremlin is opting to blame the Russian military, the defense ministry, and anyone who underestimated the fortitude and cunning of the Ukrainian army, except for Vladimir Putin, of course. Petraeus rightly notes the surprise of Russian television networks regarding the successful counteroffensive, a reaction notable enough to make noise in western media.

Ukraine's stunning success is not good news for Putin and the Russian military. General Petraeus has little faith in Russia’s ability to regroup its army, reestablish new defensive lines, and successfully craft and execute coherent plans. The Russian military is logistically bankrupt. Petraeus explains that it is hard to tell how many months it would take for Russia to recruit more people to join their ranks, provide adequate training to convert those people into soldiers, and even correctly equip them to wage a successful fight against a momentous Ukrainian counteroffensive.

With Ukraine’s disciplined military training and successful strategic operations, General Petraeus sees new possibilities for what the Ukrainian military can achieve in their campaign for freedom. Petraeus believes Ukraine’s allies must provide the support necessary to reconquer all territory lost to the Russians. He reminds us not to underestimate Ukraine, as many did months ago when many believed Kyiv would fall to the Russians. Ukraine proved many who doubted them wrong when it successfully defended Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy.

Ukrainians have tasted victory and are harnessing their impressive momentum to push towards the liberation of their territory. Many challenges lie ahead for Ukrainians, but General Petraeus acknowledges Ukrainian resolve and is impressed by their endurance. Ultimately, Petraeus credits Ukraine's fighting spirit and patriotism for their success against the Russian military, an element that the Kremlin appears to be lacking.


Produced by Noor Greene and James Lewis.
Narrated by Uriel Epshtein.
Post Production, Hamilton Road Production.
Additional Graphics by Gabriel Strobel.