Is Ukraine Losing? — What Ukraine Is Doing to Take Back Control Against Russia

Ukraine passed a controversial bill on Thursday last week (April 11, 2024) that would expand civilian mobilization. Ukrainian leadership has reckoned with the reality that Ukraine needs more troops in order to ever hope for restoring Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea to Ukraine.

The truth that we have had to accept is that one of the primary reasons why Russia has been successful in repelling Ukrainian counteroffensives is manpower and ammunition. Ukraine is lacking in both of these areas.

Before we get into Ukraine’s solutions, I should say that many have pointed out issues with depicting this conflict as a “stalemate” because of the rate of losses — which are untenable to ignore for either side.

Eventually, Ukrainians or Russians will have to give in to the casualties and retreat in some significant (or insignificant) way. Of course, it’s easier for Russia now because they have managed to conquer territory since the full-scale invasion, specifically Donetsk and Luhansk.

Originally, soldiers in Ukraine fighting on the frontlines were hoping to be able to return home because of fatigue with long durations spent there. Unfortunately, the bill denies that possibility to them.

Previously, Ukraine’s young men were also not included in mobilization efforts. Last week, however, Zelensky signed a bill that lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25. Corruption has meant that some have…