Russia-Ukraine War Heading Toward Stalemate

The front lines in Russia’s war to conquer Ukraine have barely shifted in the past few months, evidence from recent weeks shows.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed on December 1 that Russian forces are “expanding their zones of control in all directions.” But the facts show there have been negligible Russian gains at catastrophic cost. To offset the stunning casualty rates, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree on December 1 to increase Russian troop numbers by 15 percent.

Holding the line: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the construction of fortifications on November 30 to hold back the Russians, signaling a transition to a more defensive stance by Ukraine.

Ukrainian counteroffensives have had only modest success this year, and there is little prospect of regaining the nearly 20 percent of Ukrainian land Russia occupies. All Ukraine can do at present is attempt to hold the line. The war seems to be heading toward a stalemate.

But this Ukrainian strategy requires steady supplies of weaponry and ammunition, and those supplies are increasingly in question.

Germany’s plan in action? Germany and the United States have been Ukraine’s main suppliers of weapons. However, both countries are now refusing to give Ukraine what it needs most: long-range weapons.

A recent Bild report shows this is part of Germany’s plan to gradually reduce weapons sales to Ukraine, pressuring it into negotiating for peace with Russia. Ukraine will be given enough weapons to hold the line, but no more. Such an outcome would be a notable Russian victory.

Learn more: Watch our video “Germany’s Secret Plan to End the Ukraine War.”