Brussels Sprouts Can Ukraine and Europe Win Alone? with Gustav Gressel and Franz-Stefan Gady
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Feb 25, 2025 
Gustav Gressel, an expert on Russia and defense policy, and Franz-Stefan Gady, a senior fellow and defense consultant, dive into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. They discuss the implications of U.S. negotiations with Russia excluding Kyiv, raising concerns about Ukraine’s future. The duo highlights the urgent need for Europe to enhance its military readiness amidst fears of potential U.S. withdrawal. The talk also touches on Europe’s evolving defense strategies and the prospects of peacekeeping missions in Ukraine, navigating the intricacies of international diplomacy.
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Current Battlefield Assessment
- Russia maintains the initiative and manpower advantage, but their equipment superiority is shrinking.
- Ukraine faces a challenging time, with the most intense Russian efforts focused on Pokrovsk and Kupyansk.
Factors Affecting Russian Operations and Ukrainian Morale
- Russian operations have slowed down, potentially due to the warm winter and weather conditions hindering the use of heavy equipment.
- Ukrainian forces demonstrate high morale and motivation, and Western support has proven effective in achieving parity in artillery and strike drones.
Ukrainian Frontline Sentiment and Concerns
- Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines express determination to continue fighting regardless of external support.
- Concerns about the U.S. potentially abandoning Ukraine are impacting senior decision-makers' trust in U.S. reliability.
