On December 9, the Veza Analytical Center held a discussion featuring military expert Ivan Stupak regarding recent statements by former US President Donald Trump, the situation on the front, and international support for Ukraine.
Trump claimed that Ukraine is losing the war due to Russia's resource advantage and significant territorial losses, and criticized President Zelensky's position on the peace plan. Stupak agreed that Russia currently holds the initiative, having been on the offensive for 25 consecutive months, but noted that claiming Ukraine's total defeat is untrue: "The Russian side is stronger, but Ukraine has not capitulated."
Experts highlighted limited resources, challenges with mobilization, and the dependency on US and European support. They stressed that Western aid is not free, and that while European technology and financial support remain important, long-term prospects are uncertain.
The discussion also covered the operational situation in Donbas, expectations regarding deliveries of missiles and equipment, and the impact of information pressure and the duration of possible support. The conclusion: at this stage, Ukraine must buy time, hoping for a change in the US approach after elections, the arrival of new weapons, and frontline stabilization.
The experts also reviewed factors pushing Russia toward negotiations and the funding and resource problems facing both sides. Ukraine's mobilization capability and the continued role of Western support are key issues.
President Zelensky is currently on a European diplomatic tour seeking new ways for cooperation and support.
