Ukraine May Experience a Breakthrough Amidst War with Russia, But Could Struggle Without U.S.-European Support

(Soufan Center) Recent expert assessments indicate that Russia’s slowing battlefield advances, along with Ukraine’s reestablishment of the “overall drone advantage,” may indicate an important turning point in favor of Ukraine in the war with Russia. Ukraine is experiencing a strategic window it could capitalize on to secure a battlefield advantage; however, in lieu of increased external — specifically U.S. — support, Ukraine may struggle to utilize tactical innovations to seize the momentum. Trump’s view that the Russia-Ukraine war is primarily a European concern will likely negatively impact his willingness to bolster Kyiv’s supply of Patriot systems — of which supply is already depleted due to conflict in Iran — or substantially increase weapons and financial support to Ukraine. European and U.S. security are deeply connected despite strains over the war in Ukraine, as the partners often share overlapping goals, intelligence networks, and military infrastructure, all of which help sustain American influence on the world stage. – Ukraine May Experience a Breakthrough Amidst War with Russia, But Could Struggle Without U.S.-European Support – The Soufan Center