Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and military expert on Russia and Ukraine, shares insights on the future of the war in Ukraine. He discusses the shifting military dynamics, including advancements in artillery and drone technology. Delving into the geopolitical landscape, Kofman emphasizes the impact of U.S. support and Europe’s challenges. The conversation also touches on negotiation dynamics and the significance of January 20th, pondering the implications of potential energy sanctions on Russia as the conflict evolves.
Russia has maintained a material advantage in Ukraine due to effective manpower recruitment and ongoing military engagements around strategic locations.
Putin's regime faces scrutiny as economic challenges arise from the war, yet he may perceive continuation of conflict as a more stable option than cessation.
The future of Ukraine's defense heavily depends on U.S. support and European military readiness amidst concerns regarding potential shifts in U.S. aid dynamics.
Deep dives
Current Battlefield Dynamics in Ukraine
The situation on the battlefield in Ukraine has evolved negatively, with Russia currently holding a material advantage, particularly in manpower. While Ukraine has made significant strides with drone production and had previously narrowed the artillery disparity, Russia's air power and persistent recruitment efforts have strengthened its position. Major engagements are taking place south and around key locations like Pokrovsk, with Russian forces making steady advancements. Despite the current fragility of the front, the overall assessment indicates the need for course correction on both sides to avoid future collapse.
Putin's Regime Stability and Economic Impact
Internally, Vladimir Putin's regime faces significant scrutiny as the war's effects ripple through Russian society and the economy. Despite suffering massive casualties and economic challenges, there are indicators that Putin may perceive continuation of the war as more stable than cessation. Currently, the war is fought largely on Ukrainian soil, allowing for Putin to project strength, as he still seeks minimal territorial gains in Donbas. Moreover, military investments, bolstered by both domestic and foreign contributions, have become a cornerstone of the Russian economy despite rising inflation.
Negotiations and Future Administration Considerations
The potential for negotiations remains uncertain with the incoming U.S. administration, which may shift its approach compared to Biden’s. There is speculation that Russia won't feel compelled to negotiate immediately, instead using upcoming political landscapes to its advantage on the battlefield. Despite hopes for peace, it appears more likely that Russia will aim for continued military gains as a bargaining tool. Both analysts and experts suggest that the definitions of success in negotiations will heavily depend on the realities established in the lead-up to the talks.
Ukraine's Military Mobilization Challenges
Ukraine faces significant challenges in mobilizing its military forces effectively to maintain a robust defense. There are calls for improved approaches to training and retention, particularly among younger demographics, to bolster frontline efforts. Issues such as the perception of military service as a one-way ticket to combat deter many from enlisting, creating additional pressure on manpower. If Ukraine fails to address its mobilization and training deficits, it risks sustaining operational weaknesses, ultimately affecting its defensive capabilities.
European Response and U.S. Aid Implications
The European response to the ongoing conflict and potential shifts in U.S. aid dynamics are pivotal in shaping the future of Ukraine's defense. If U.S. support diminishes under the new administration, there is skepticism regarding Europe's capacity to fully take over military support roles due to structural limitations. However, European nations are beginning to ramp up their military readiness and integration efforts, suggesting potential improvements over the long term. The reality remains that substantial reliance on U.S. aid continues to underpin Ukraine’s defense efforts as the landscape evolves toward 2025.
Max and Maria were joined by Russian military expert Michael Kofman to discuss where the war in Ukraine may be headed in the year to come. With a new administration in Washington and political turmoil across Europe, Russia continuing to make grinding gains on the battlefield, and calls for some sort of negotiated settlement rising, the next six months could prove critical to the future direction of the conflict.
This conversation was recorded live in the CSIS Brack Studio on December 12, 2024. The full video from this conversation is available on the CSIS website. This is the last episode of Russian Roulette for 2024. After a brief break for the holidays, we will return with new episodes in January 2025.
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