Zaluzhnyi: Escaping Protracted War With Russia Impossible Without Western Military Support

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's former Commander-in-Chief and current ambassador to the UK, stated in a speech at Chatham House on October 17 that escaping the state of "protracted" war with Russia is nearly impossible.

He emphasized that in 2023, the West did not supply Kyiv with enough weapons, which hindered Ukraine's ability to achieve "significant success in defeating Russia" during its counteroffensive.

"Consequentially, we ended up in a state of protracted war. In my personal opinion, a way out of this protracted war seems... almost impossible," he remarked.

Zaluzhnyi also cautioned that Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine is shifting into a "positional" phase. This phase is marked by "static and attritional fighting," allowing Russia to regain its military strength.

During his speech Zaluzhnyi also stated that despite Ukrainians' gratitude for Western support in the fight against Russian aggression, recent developments demonstrate the misalignment of certain political decisions made by Western countries.

Throughout 2024, Ukraine has faced challenges in defending the front lines, particularly in Donetsk region, where Russia has persistently focused its offensive efforts.

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved the candidacy of Valerii Zaluzhnyi for the position of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.