A Ukrainian tank fires during practice on the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine War in Donetsk, Ukraine, on March 29, 2023. (Muhammed Enes Yildirim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

As Ukraine prepares for its anticipated counteroffensive, Hudson released a new fact sheet identifying seven weapons systems that could prove decisive in defeating a desperate Russia.

In the New York Post, Hudson Senior Fellow Luke Coffey explains what to expect in the counteroffensive, why this is a pivotal moment, and how policymakers can plan for victory.

Key Insights

1. Recent developments place Ukraine in a good spot to begin its much-awaited counteroffensive.

As Moscow digs deeper into its older stocks of military hardware, thousands of fresh Ukrainian soldiers have been trained, and Ukraine is once again exporting electricity. Moreover, Bakhmut still holds months after it was expected to fall to Russian forces. 

2. The operation’s success or failure won’t be known for months.

Some are suggesting that the United States should link future assistance to the operation’s success or failure. This is the wrong way to look at the situation. As with all wars, there will be ups and downs on the battlefield. US policymakers should see this war as a series of campaigns that will stretch for years, and the White House needs to do a better job explaining this to the American people.

3. The US needs to start wanting Ukraine to win more than it hopes Russia will lose.

The West should start preparing to support Ukraine for the long term. Ukrainians are not asking for—nor do they want—US troops to help them fight Russia. All the Ukrainians request is the resources required to give them a fighting chance. Ukraine has the will and the motivation, and the West has the weapons.

Quotes may be edited for clarity and length. 

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