The Russia-Ukraine war has expanded from a week-long military operation from Feb. 24, 2022, to a four-year conflict. This is an accomplishment for Ukraine, standing up to a major power, providing a new example of a small country standing up to a superpower. This modern conflict has spurred a new era of war, with the use of new technology and tactics.
Many parts of the promised spring offensive from Vladimir Putin have not worked out well or entirely failed based upon Putins initial goals. The major goal was to create a defensible buffer zone between Russia and Ukraine by taking control of the Donbas region, which has been a failure, taking 2.63 kilometers per day according to The Institute for the Study of War. Additionally, per square kilometer, Russia loses a median of 156 soldiers per square kilometer, which is extremely high compared to the typical conflict, according to Mezha. Reported by the Center for Strategic & International Studies two point five death to 1 indury ratio. One major impact that has influenced the war was the use of the new technology, mainly drone warfare, which has led to high mortality from Russian attacks. South student Jacob Fuller ‘27 understands the use of drones.
“I would agree that drones are probably a good thing to have; people don’t have to go directly to the front lines,” Fuller said. “While I do think it makes it more deadly in the long run, I think it (Drones) saves the people who want to keep their country safe, and that is what’s happening in Ukraine.”
One large point of interest and its total war effects on Russia is the Crimean Peninsula. Crimea was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 and is used as a military vantage point to access southern Ukraine. Instead of using a full-scale attack to liberate the land, which would be costly in gear and soldiers, they’re essentially destroying military infrastructure and preventing the transportation of supplies onto the peninsula. The main bridge connecting Russia to Crimea, the Kerch Bridge, has been struck multiple times, including the surrounding area, preventing the transportation of supplies, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Additionally, Ukraine has destroyed a $400 billion dollars air defense system, reported by United 24 Media. Keven Minor, a history teacher at South belives that the change in public opinion would impact the war effort.
“They went through, they went through a lot of troops so far, innocent, and I think no matter what Russian state media says, I think it’s probably an unpopular war, right?” Minor said.
The Russia-Ukraine war has lasted four years longer than it was ever intended to. Now, the question is, what are the end terms for the War? Will Russia attempt to continue taking land, or will Ukraine’s fierce defense cause an easier settlement? Fuller believes that Ukraine needs to continue its defense.
“I would say that restoring Ukraine to its original borders post 1991 would be ideal for me, because obviously that’s what I want, I’m biased with that, but what I think is that the realistic goal is that Ukraine will not get all of its territory back,” Fuller.
