Nine months have passed since Vladimir Putin and his cronies have declared war on Ukraine, and that move has had many consequential effects on the entire world. From the supply chain debacle to other trade matters, and most especially the health and safety of those in Ukraine, the endless cycle of war is certainly getting old.
Although the struggle has been long and difficult for Ukraine soldiers and their families alike, as well as all the refugees forced to flee their homes because of the war, in the last 3 months the tide has turned in the favor of Ukraine. Not only has Russia lost territory in the east, but they have also lost their flagship of their Black Sea fleet as well as a crucial bridge needed to get to Crimea. The latest failure is that the Russian Army has not succeeded in holding onto their provincial capital of Kherson, and it seems it is only a matter of time before it is wholly back in the hands of Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces planned their military moves carefully, beginning in July. With the help of American Himars rocket systems, Ukrainian troops systematically took out key bridges leading to the Russian force supply lines to the east and south. The explosion that closed the Kerch bridge in October was also a huge part of the Russian defeat, as it linked Russia with Crimea. Without a firm method for supply chain needs, the Russian troops have found themselves in a difficult position, to say the least.
Although Putin declared that Kherson would be “Russian forever,” Russian troops began to slink away in the night. General Sergei Surovikin made it official last week, when he seemingly asked the defense minister’s permission to order his troops to leave the city. As the Dnipro River is such a natural divide, and there are no natural crossing points, it makes sense that Russia’s demoralized army is getting out while they still can.
Although the citizens of Ukraine want to celebrate, it is too soon to do so. Officials are concerned about the possibility of land mines and booby traps in the Kherson area, and there is always the worry that some Russian troops could stay in the area and continue to fight.
So how was Ukraine able to pull off this almost certain defeat of the Russian troops in Kherson? According to Adnan Zai, Advisor to Berkeley Capital, “The Russian defeat in Kherson signifies two things: First an increase of economic and military assistance to the Ukrainians which boosts morale and drive. The Second, the lack of home grown support for the Russians which destroys morale and as result the will to fight.”
Without a firm backing at home in Russia, the troops are floundering. And meanwhile, Ukraine is getting aid from a variety of countries near and far to help them with their battles. If the present situation continues, experts do not know how long Putin can maintain his army’s presence in Ukraine, and the past nine months unfortunately might not account for much when it comes to Russia’s hope of victory.