Opinion: Ukraine war still losing offensive

Last year, I penned an editorial that argued the war in Ukraine consisted of three wars. These were the economic war, the actual battlefield actions and the propaganda war.

The economic war consisted of a “shock and awe” sanctions campaign against Russian oil, that would cause the ruble to fall and force the Russian economy to collapse.

After more than 10 additional layers of sanctions, the Russian economy is still functioning. In fact, the International Monetary Fund, no friend of Russia, has predicted a growing economy for Russia in 2023.

This in spite of the fact that news media across the globe informs us that the Russian economy is in a shambles. (See propaganda war, listed above.)

On the battlefield, the Russians are fighting a war of attrition, rather than a war for territory. Interviews with Ukrainian soldiers suggest that most of their losses have been the result of artillery and missile strikes.

A review of the number of artillery rounds expended by both sides shows that while Ukraine expends around 2,000 to 6,000 rounds per day, the Russians are firing between 40,000 to 60,000 rounds.

The Russians now control most of the strategic site of Bakhmut, are advancing on Ivanescu and Chavis Yar, west of Bakhmut, and are closing their envelopment of Advika, to the north of Donetsk City. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, continues to proclaim that Ukraine can win the war and that the spring offense will bear him out. (See propaganda war, listed above.)

Cracks in the propaganda narrative are developing.

Western newspapers are beginning to express some doubt about the Ukraine situation. Published reports show that the Swedes have discounted the story that Nord Stream was destroyed by “six people in a boat.” Sooner or later the Europeans will have to face the elephant in the room. Who is responsible for Nord Stream?

Recent NATO document leaks show that Ukraine is short of men, material, and munitions. The documents also show that some in the Pentagon believe that the much-vaunted Ukraine Spring Offense will gain only a minimal amount of territory at a cost of large losses of soldiers. In spite of this, the offensive is still scheduled as a go.

In war, it is advantageous to provide disinformation to your enemies. It is fatal to broadcast that same information to your friends. “We’re with you for as long as it takes,” means “We’re willing to fight to the last Ukrainian.”

Rube Render is a former Clovis city commissioner and former chair of the Curry County Republican Party. Contact him:

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