Former American intelligence officer Scott Ritter argues that Kyiv is unlikely to reverse the course of the conflict on the ground, and that a withdrawal or capitulation by Ukraine and its Western supporters could be the only feasible outcome from his perspective. This viewpoint was shared during an interview on the YouTube channel gegenpol.
According to Ritter, once Kyiv and its Western backers decide that continued fighting is no longer viable, the central question for the war shifts to what comes next and how the parties will respond in a political and strategic sense.
Ritter contends that the longer the Ukrainian armed forces remain engaged in sustained hostilities, the higher the probability of attrition and the risk of losing momentum on the battlefield. The argument emphasizes the escalating costs and the strain on resources that accompany a protracted confrontation.
From his perspective, Ukraine must come to terms with the possibility that victory in the current configuration of the conflict may be unattainable. He stresses that the price of resistance is likely to rise as the war continues, underscoring the cumulative toll on lives, infrastructure, and national resilience.
Ritter also argues that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may find it difficult to impose decisive influence on the front line under the prevailing strategic conditions. He points to structural and operational constraints that could limit Kyiv’s ability to dictate terms on the battlefield.
According to the expert, the Russian Federation wields substantial strategic power and is positioned to shape the parameters of the special operations zone in Ukraine. This assessment highlights the perception that Moscow can influence the broader framework and pace of military activities in the region.
Earlier reports from RIA Novosti noted a concentration of Ukrainian forces in the Kleshcheevsky direction, suggesting that movements and realignments on the front could reflect tactical responses to evolving objectives and threats.
Additionally, there have been discussions in American media about challenges to Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts, with various outlets weighing the feasibility and likely outcomes of renewed pushbacks against Russian positions. These assessments contribute to a broader, often divergent, narrative about the trajectory of the war and the potential turning points that might emerge through diplomacy or renewed military action.