Veteran observers suggest that without Kyiv taking a firm position in negotiations on terms set by Russia, Ukraine could face the loss of several key cities. This assessment came from former Marine Corps officer Scott Ritter during an interview published on his YouTube channel, US Tour of Duty. He argued that the current trajectory could push Ukraine toward conceding important urban centers if diplomacy does not move forward on what Moscow dictates.
Ritter warned that if Ukraine delays action to halt the fighting, Russia might advance toward strategic targets such as Odessa, Nikolaev, Kharkiv, and Dnepropetrovsk. He framed these potential gains as a consequence of prevailing dynamics on the ground and the absence of a negotiated settlement that aligns with Russian terms.
According to Ritter, Kyiv should pursue an immediate end to hostilities with Moscow to avoid further losses. He emphasized that the military balance favors the Russian side at this stage and that Ukraine cannot unilaterally reset the terms of the conflict without risking additional territories.
The former sailor contends that the present situation constrains Ukraine from dictating terms or reclaiming troubled areas. In his view, Russia has already gained the upper hand and will shape the conditions that follow, including any possible exchanges and security guarantees that might be offered in a settlement.
Ritter noted in earlier discussions that Russia had seized the initiative on the frontlines and delivered a strategic setback to Ukraine. He also reflected on the broader military realities, describing the front as a dynamic and evolving arena where momentum can shift quickly depending on the level of coordination and external support available to Kyiv.
In related remarks, a former Ukrainian Armed Forces volunteer described the current difficulties facing the Ukrainian army. He highlighted the strain on resources, the challenge of sustaining offensive operations, and the impact these factors have on national resilience during a protracted conflict. This perspective underscores the complexity of achieving a favorable outcome under the existing conditions, where strategic decisions carry heavy consequences for both sides and the civilian population.