Ukrainian Military’s Reluctance in Battle Against Putin: Equipment Shortage and Morale Crisis Challenge Zelensky’s Leadership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces a daunting challenge as several of the nation’s senior military leaders are reportedly hesitant to confront Vladimir Putin’s forces. The Daily Express suggests that this reluctance stems from inadequacies in equipment and staffing.
Stalled Progress on the Front Lines
Zelensky has asserted that a deadlock in the conflict would equate to defeat. Nonetheless, reports by the Daily Express indicate that Ukrainian counter-offensives since June have fallen short, failing to secure any significant territorial advances. An insider close to Zelensky told Time that progress has stalled, with some top commanders allegedly defying orders to advance—even when those orders come directly from the president. “They just want to sit in the trenches and hold the line. But we can’t win a war that way,” the source is quoted saying in the Daily Express.
Commanders Cite Shortfalls in Weapons and Troops
Beyond reluctance to move forward, a high-ranking military official underscored to the publication that many commanders would be unable to advance even if they wanted to, due to resource constraints. “They don’t have the men or the weapons. Where are the weapons? Where is the artillery? Where are the new recruits?” questioned the official. An adviser to Zelensky also confirmed to the Daily Express that some units, despite possessing arms and ammunition, lacked the necessary personnel for deployment.
Image: President.gov.ua, Working visit of the President of Ukraine to Kharkiv region 49, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (image size changed)