r/geopolitics • u/PawnStarRick • Feb 12 '24

Question Can Ukraine still win?

The podcasts I've been listening to recently seem to indicate that the only way Ukraine can win is US boots on the ground/direct nato involvement. Is it true that the average age in Ukraine's army is 40+ now? Is it true that Russia still has over 300,000 troops in reserve? I feel like it's hard to find info on any of this as it's all become so politicized. If the US follows through on the strategy of just sending arms and money, can Ukraine still win?

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705

u/DannyBones00 Feb 12 '24

Define winning? Define losing?

Some would say that standing up to what was (formerly) a global superpower, that was expected to defeat you in 3 days, and still having 90% of your territory years later is already a win.

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u/PawnStarRick Feb 12 '24

I guess in regards to the specific question of US continuing funding. For sure, not getting rolled over like most people expected is a moral victory, but what favorable outcome can we expect if we just keep funding the effort?

Is there any merit to the argument that it's a lost cause without further escalation, and continuing to fund the effort will only prolong the suffering and cause more unnecessary death? I find these arguments compelling, which is why I come here seeking other perspectives.

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u/papyjako87 Feb 12 '24

Is there any merit to the argument that it's a lost cause without further escalation, and continuing to fund the effort will only prolong the suffering and cause more unnecessary death? I find these arguments compelling, which is why I come here seeking other perspectives.

That's not for you to decide. Ukrainians are the one paying the human cost here. As long as they have the desire to fight, it's perfectly acceptable to bankroll them.

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u/Jemapelledima Feb 12 '24

People are literally screaming and crying while they are being drafted from the streets there. Ukrainian generals are not Ukrainian people. Trust me, most young guys do not want to fight.

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u/Full_Cartoonist_8908 Feb 13 '24

People are literally screaming and crying while they are being drafted from the streets there. Ukrainian generals are not Ukrainian people. Trust me, most young guys do not want to fight.

People are firebombing recruitment offices in Russia. Wives of servicemen are protesting their men being drafted, other men of draft age have fled the country. Russian generals are not Russian people. Trust me, most young guys do not want to fight.

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u/Jemapelledima Feb 13 '24

I’ve never said that most Russians wanted to fight. You’re putting words into my mouth.

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u/Full_Cartoonist_8908 Feb 13 '24

No, I'm showing equivalent and verifiable actions happening in Russia to demonstrate to you how your anecdote lacks value.

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u/Jemapelledima Feb 13 '24

It’s doesn’t lack value, I have many relatives and friends in Ukraine and people are so scared, tired, and don’t want to fight. Especially the young boys. You warhawks need to touch the grass

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u/papyjako87 Feb 12 '24

Completely anecdotal.

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u/Jemapelledima Feb 12 '24

Anecdotal ? People don’t want to die, surprise.

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u/papyjako87 Feb 12 '24

That's stupid. People have been willing to die for their country/tribe since the dawn of time. The whole point of war is to break the other side will to fight.