The problem with the strategic defensive, apart from the ones you mention, is that it allows Russia the opportunity to decide where, when , and in what numbers it will attack. This makes it harder for Ukraine to rotate troops and to prioritize defensive efforts. Russia is willing to suffer significant losses even for small gains on the theory that those gains add up. Just as you can move a heavy object by first pushing on one end, and then pushing on the other, and so on, so can you slowly degrade an army's will by attacking here, attacking there and continually making even small progress. I really worry that if Ukraine is forced onto the defensive for all of 2024, this will not end well.
I would not bet on continued aid from the west. My country Australia preferred to scrap 45 helicopters rather than give them to Ukraine, and Republicans will continue to block Ukraine aid in the House whenever they can it seems. You will have to rely on yourselves. It sounds harsh but that is the reality. Western nations are virally infected with a type of "we don't need to be involved in those foreign nations, let's spend the money here" mentality, and Carlson and co are the ones driving it. It is unfortunately an argument which is gaining momentum.
The problem with the strategic defensive, apart from the ones you mention, is that it allows Russia the opportunity to decide where, when , and in what numbers it will attack. This makes it harder for Ukraine to rotate troops and to prioritize defensive efforts. Russia is willing to suffer significant losses even for small gains on the theory that those gains add up. Just as you can move a heavy object by first pushing on one end, and then pushing on the other, and so on, so can you slowly degrade an army's will by attacking here, attacking there and continually making even small progress. I really worry that if Ukraine is forced onto the defensive for all of 2024, this will not end well.
I would not bet on continued aid from the west. My country Australia preferred to scrap 45 helicopters rather than give them to Ukraine, and Republicans will continue to block Ukraine aid in the House whenever they can it seems. You will have to rely on yourselves. It sounds harsh but that is the reality. Western nations are virally infected with a type of "we don't need to be involved in those foreign nations, let's spend the money here" mentality, and Carlson and co are the ones driving it. It is unfortunately an argument which is gaining momentum.
Thank you.