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With the continuation of Russia's war against Ukraine, its course is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. However, the Ukrainians currently have a "remarkable strategy" for conducting the war. This was stated by General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, during a discussion at the Aspen Institute on Thursday, July 18. as reported by Voice of America.
"One of the challenges we see and one of the biggest lessons we can learn from the war in Ukraine is that in modern wars, you either win quickly, or you face a long, unpredictable process. And that's where we are now," said the general.
He emphasized that the course of the war will depend on the ability to "generate force." Specifically, which side can accumulate "quality force faster and capitalize on it while it has the opportunity."
The general noted that the Ukrainians are currently generating such force and skillfully building their strategy:
"In recent months, the Ukrainians have been focused on defending the eastern territories, not allowing Russia to freely use Crimea and southern Ukraine for attacks, maintaining access to the Black Sea, and generating force. So, I believe they have a remarkable strategy. It is only a matter of continuing its execution."
Cavoli noted that a key part of Ukraine's "force generation" currently depends on the EU and NATO countries:
"This will require us to accumulate and produce more equipment than we thought possible two years ago."
When asked about what countries that have spent many resources on assisting Ukraine should do, and whether they should continue focusing on this or concentrate on internal issues, Cavoli responded that "the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine is vital for the future of European and global security."
He stressed that the world should not "harbor any illusions" about the end of the war in Ukraine.
"At the end of the conflict in Ukraine, however it ends, we will have a very large problem with Russia. We will have a situation where Russia is regaining its strength, positioned on NATO's borders, and led primarily by the same people as now, who believe that we are the enemy and are very, very angry," said the general.
He emphasized that the industrial production capabilities of the EU and NATO countries must be prepared for this challenge.
At the same time, Cavoli added that the main problem right now is not so much finances, but the production of military equipment.
"We have some difficulties with procurement. And that is indeed a strategic problem for the alliance," said the general.
He added that in the United States, there is an underestimation of how the EU countries have "woken up" to the challenge:
"This is not a show or just rhetoric; it is a genuine concern for the stability of the continent and the survival of their states. So, this is fundamental, and we need to recognize this and encourage its development."
