Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, Executive Director of the McCain Institute Dr. Evelyn Farkas, and NYT Senior Writer David Sanger discuss key takeaways from the Ukraine war, including challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, controversy of using manned aircraft, dealing with Russia's human rights violations, and China's role in peace negotiations.
The Ukrainians have made significant progress in attacking and gaining a foothold in frontline areas, adapting their warfare tactics and introducing unmanned sea drones for long-distance attacks on large ships.
Increased military assistance is needed to expedite the end of the conflict, strategically smart and morally correct to help Ukraine achieve an acceptable outcome, but the challenge lies in ensuring sustained support from the West.
Deep dives
Progress and Innovations in the Ukrainian Offensive
Despite the challenges faced by the Ukrainian forces in transitioning from a defensive to an offensive posture, they have made significant progress in attacking and gaining a foothold in frontline areas. Towns like Robotene and Urazane have been successfully targeted. The Ukrainians have adapted their warfare tactics and are gradually pushing through the frontline. They are also facing casualties, but continue to learn and adapt. Notably, Ukraine has introduced an unmanned sea drone that can travel long distances and carry out attacks on large ships. This ongoing conflict is expected to continue into the fall, with Ukraine pushing forward and Russia suffering casualties.
The Need for Increased Military Assistance to Ukraine
While the slow and methodical progress of the Ukrainians is positive, there is a need for increased military assistance to expedite the end of the conflict. Evelyn Farkas acknowledges that there should have been more Western-supplied equipment on the battlefield by now. She argues that providing more military assistance is strategically smart and morally correct to help Ukraine end the fighting and achieve an acceptable outcome. The challenge lies in ensuring Ukraine receives the necessary weapons and support to maintain progress and sustain the flow of assistance. The critical question for Ukraine and its NATO allies is whether the progress made is enough to sustain support from the West.
The Role of Western Nations in Supporting Ukraine
There is a debate about whether the West, particularly Washington, is doing enough fast enough to support Ukraine. The U.S. administration has been cautious in providing certain advanced weaponry to Ukraine, citing the need for proper training and synchronization of military equipment. Mark Kertling emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the Ukrainian forces can effectively use the equipment provided to avoid challenges on the battlefield. While some equipment, like F-16s, is promised but still a few months away, the Ukrainian forces have been adapting with the resources they currently have. The question remains whether the pace of support is sufficient and if it will be seen as such in the future.
The war in Ukraine shows no signs of stopping. As the conflict grinds on, what are the key takeaways after nearly 18 months of fighting? Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, Executive Director of the McCain Institute Dr. Evelyn Farkas, and NYT Senior Writer David Sanger join David to break down the lessons that Ukraine, the US, and the rest of the West must learn. Don’t miss it.