Among Ukrainians on the frontline of the fight against Russia, one word has been coming up increasingly frequently: zakinchuyemosya, which translates roughly to, “we are running out.”
Ukrainian fighters are courageous, resourceful and resilient, but they are not invincible, nor are their potential replacements infinite. And the “coalition of the willing” that is supporting Ukraine has no plans to send troops until after the war ends — and even then they may not be ready to fight a “kinetic war” if (or when) Russia violates an eventual ceasefire or peace deal.
Manpower is among Russia’s greatest advantages in its war against Ukraine. Though Ukraine’s daily casualties are lower, its population is one-quarter the size of Russia’s. Even after losing an estimated 250,000 soldiers, with total casualties probably exceeding 950,000, Russia is nowhere near “running out.”
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