However regrettable it may be, the history of human civilization is intertwined with wars.
Local and large-scale conflicts, one-day battles and centuries-long struggles, each with different aims: conquest, aggression (as those in power often seek to wield their might), and just wars, liberation struggles aimed at stopping the aggressor’s ambitions and restoring justice. Of course, this is not an exhaustive classification of the diversity of wars in a historical context, and we will leave this question for in-depth examination and presentation by scholars in this field. Yet, regardless of their diversity, wars have always come to an end, sooner or later. Lessons were drawn, by everyone involved, both victors and vanquished. It seemed that with the conclusion of World War II, all the conclusions had been made, and the world, particularly Europe, which had become the main stage of that war, was healing its wounds, both in terms of physical destruction and human suffering. But… As philosophy asserts, the events of history tend to repeat themselves, but on a qualitatively new level. Once again, war has erupted in Europe, at its very heart. Russia, a country that bore one of the heaviest burdens in World War II, has launched a full-scale armed invasion of Ukraine, having previously annexed its territories. Just like eighty years ago, an odious figure has emerged, believing themselves to be a dispenser of justice, and in the name of saving the country, the nation, and the revival of its greatness and power, they have unleashed… WAR in the name of justice. Just as back then and now, these seemingly noble pretexts conceal desires to advance their own geopolitical ambitions and redistribute spheres of influence in the world, or at least in Europe. It’s entirely possible that this is how it would have unfolded. However, while some failed to learn the lessons of history, others have firmly absorbed them. Civilized Western nations have since become truly collective. Understanding the lessons of their past divisions and hesitations, as well as the prospects of further actions by the Kremlin leadership in achieving its goals in Ukraine, they have actively come to Ukraine’s support. To be fair, at the initial stages of these unfolding events, not many in Europe were confident that Ukraine would hold out for long, and they adopted a wait-and-see position. In the context of today’s events, this can only be seen as an unacceptable mistake! The appetite of the Kremlin rulers is now becoming increasingly apparent. Words even directly hint at encroachments on the territories of the Baltic States and Poland. This is happening now, after a year and a half of war! As for Ukraine, for the sake of fairness, it must be acknowledged that its citizens have demonstrated an extraordinary example of national unity, courage, and perseverance to the world. This war has truly become a Patriotic war for all Ukrainian people because it has put not only the existence of the state but also the nation with its history and traditions at stake. The ongoing events, the relentless rocket and artillery strikes by Russians on Ukrainian cities, critical infrastructure, and social facilities, the deaths of thousands of peaceful Ukrainian citizens, and the disregard for all norms of international humanitarian law, only confirm the thesis of the genocide of Ukrainians from the Russian side. The Ukrainians, effectively sacrificing their own lives, have undertaken the most challenging mission of repelling the Russian onslaught, not only on their own country but, as it turns out, on global peace and stability. Undoubtedly, the high level of motivation and professionalism among Ukrainian soldiers has significantly contributed to halting the Russian advance and pushing Russian forces out of Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and currently conducting a fairly successful counteroffensive, which is active, systematic, and progressive.
However, without the support of the collective West, which has provided Ukraine with military, technical, and financial assistance, the successes of the Ukrainians on the battlefield and in securing their own nation would have been much more modest. Ukraine is grateful to its partners for their critically important support. Cooperation in the military sphere, in various formats (bilateral and unilateral), has demonstrated the unity of the civilized world in the fight against the terrorist regime of the Russian Federation and its war machine. If it weren’t for the Ukrainian battlefields, it’s hard to imagine where the Russians would have stopped, satisfying their geopolitical appetites. After all, historical experience shows that the Kremlin understands only the “language of force.” Yes, a year and a half ago, many doubted that Ukraine could, but today it is indeed the force influencing Russia and restraining it. As of today, there is hardly an army in the world that can compare with the Ukrainian army in terms of motivation, professionalism, and real combat experience. Ukrainian servicemembers have mastered a wide range of Western weaponry and complex military equipment.
They have dispelled earlier concerns that effective use of high-tech weaponry is impossible without prolonged training. Currently, Western military experts agree that Ukrainian servicemembers are using artillery systems (MLRS, self-propelled, towed), air defense systems, armored vehicles, reconnaissance systems, and many other types of weaponry and equipment very effectively, despite their minimal training periods and the challenging conditions of operating these weapon systems. The question of F-16 aircraft is now relevant. There is no doubt that Ukrainian pilots will quickly become proficient in operating them, much like they have with the Javelin and NLAW missiles, the AN-77 transport aircraft, HIMARS, Leopard, Challenger, Patriot, and many other systems. The list is quite extensive. This war has clearly demonstrated the superiority of Western high-tech weaponry. Even with significant quantities of equipment provided to Ukraine, the qualitative aspects of its usage are impressive. Ukrainians, following the golden rule of military science, fight with skill, not just numbers. In this war, air defense systems have played an essential role. Thanks to Western systems, Ukrainians have managed to deter Russian mass artillery strikes on Ukrainian cities. The collective West has provided Ukraine with a wide range of air defense systems, from heavy machine guns to the state-of-the-art Patriot.
Indeed, Ukrainians have learned how to fight, and the Ukrainian army is currently the most trained and combat-ready army in Europe. It has repeatedly demonstrated its professionalism and compliance with NATO standards. It can even be said that it has become a part of NATO’s military forces. What can we conclude from this? Ukraine is fighting genuinely and effectively. To the question of whether Ukraine is capable of winning, the answer is unequivocal – YES! IT CAN! And it will happen, sooner or later. However, the quantity of Western weaponry, as the Ukrainian side believes, is insufficient. The sooner the necessary weapons are provided, the more lives can be saved. A protracted war results in a high number of casualties. The Kremlin leadership currently finds it advantageous to wage a war of attrition, leading to destabilization in Europe and the world. Even with sanctions in place, Russia’s stockpile of equipment is far from exhausted. New equipment is being produced alongside existing stocks. The remnants of recently shot down Russian cruise missiles over Ukrainian cities indicate that they were manufactured earlier this year and contain a significant amount of imported components. The Russian military-industrial complex is active. The question is whether Europe is ready to withstand the pressure and if there are enough resources to maintain the balance. The question of F-16 aircraft is now relevant. There is no doubt that Ukrainian pilots will quickly become proficient in operating them, much like they have with the Javelin and NLAW missiles, the AN-77 transport aircraft, HIMARS, Leopard, Challenger, Patriot, and many other systems. The list is quite extensive. This war has clearly demonstrated the superiority of Western high-tech weaponry. Even with significant quantities of equipment provided to Ukraine, the qualitative aspects of its usage are impressive. Ukrainians, following the golden rule of military science, fight with skill, not just numbers. In this war, air defense systems have played an essential role. Thanks to Western systems, Ukrainians have managed to deter Russian mass artillery strikes on Ukrainian cities. The collective West has provided Ukraine with a wide range of air defense systems, from heavy machine guns to the state-of-the-art Patriot. Indeed, Ukrainians have learned how to fight, and the Ukrainian army is currently the most trained and combat-ready army in Europe. It has repeatedly demonstrated its professionalism and compliance with NATO standards. It can even be said that it has become a part of NATO’s military forces. What can we conclude from this? Ukraine is fighting genuinely and effectively. To the question of whether Ukraine is capable of winning, the answer is unequivocal – YES! IT CAN! And it will happen, sooner or later. However, the quantity of Western weaponry, as the Ukrainian side believes, is insufficient. The sooner the necessary weapons are provided, the more lives can be saved. A protracted war results in a high number of casualties. The Kremlin leadership currently finds it advantageous to wage a war of attrition, leading to destabilization in Europe and the world. Even with sanctions in place, Russia’s stockpile of equipment is far from exhausted. New equipment is being produced alongside existing stocks. The remnants of recently shot down Russian cruise missiles over Ukrainian cities indicate that they were manufactured earlier this year and contain a significant amount of imported components. The Russian military-industrial complex is active. The question is whether Europe is ready to withstand the pressure and if there are enough resources to maintain the balance.