Doubts are growing in the Russian ranks whether the Ukrainian troops can be defeated. If Alexander Chodakowski, the founder of the pro-Russian Vostok battalion, has his way, the war must be “frozen” – while Ukraine is certain of victory.
Born in Ukraine, Khodakowski switched sides in 2014. The Russian commander wrote on Telegram on Thursday that Russia cannot militarily defeat Ukraine “now and in the near future”.
Chodakowski even calls for a ceasefire because the current phase of the war would claim too many lives. The battles have been less dynamic for months, successes are measured in meters instead of kilometers. Russia has built defensive lines all along the front and heavily mined areas. The 50-year-old describes it as “creeping forward”.
The commander, whose influence on the Russian leadership is classified as low, hopes the ceasefire will lead to recognition of the occupied territories.
Khodakowski has previously criticized the Russian leadership
According to the American think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the statements would indicate that the confidence of the Russian armed forces in their defense lines along the hundreds of kilometers wide front in southern Ukraine has fallen. Khodakowski had previously criticized Russian defenses in the border area between the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Zaporizhia.
The 50-year-old also knows from personal experience how it feels to cede territory to Ukraine. Khodakowski’s unit is stationed in the border area between Donetsk and Zaporizhia. His comments about the “freezing” of the war after the liberation of the city of Uroshaine by Ukrainian units indicate that he fears further territorial losses.
Ukraine criticizes military experts
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has denied reports that the Kiev counter-offensive could fail. He told the German newspaper Bild: “According to unnamed officials, generals and analysts, Ukraine should have ceased to exist in February 2022 in three to ten days. They now assume that Ukraine will not be able to to retake his territory, which shows that even the doubters become more hopeful over time.”
When the war started in February 2022, neither Western secret services nor the military expected Ukraine to be able to defend itself. At the time, it was said over and over again that Kiev would fall. The Washington Post reported on Friday that the CIA no longer believed the counteroffensive would be successful.
Kuleba told the paper, “The last time Americans saw such a level of warfare and firepower was in Normandy.”
Kuleba believes in “victory”
The Secretary of State, who recently praised the arms support of the United States and Europe, added: “What I am saying is that analysts should be more careful in their forecasts and long-term projections. We don’t have to prove anything; our success will reward the optimists and ruin the reputation of the doubters. However, what we need are more long-term skills to achieve more short-term results. Never underestimate Ukraine. Have your faith. Be patient. Victory is hard work.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
