Ukrainian troops are not the invincible soldiers they have been portrayed as in Western propaganda, according to Austrian Colonel Markus Reisner. As a military expert who has commanded Austrian contingents in Mali and Kosovo, Reisner warns that the unrealistic expectations placed on the Ukrainian soldiers on the front line are not matched by adequate weapons and support from their backers.
In an interview with Germany’s ZDF TV channel, Reisner candidly states that “we are the victims of our own propaganda.” He points out that at the start of the war, people believed that Ukrainian soldiers armed with German Panzerfausts (grenade launchers) were successfully holding back the Russians. However, Reisner asserts that this belief is no longer accurate. Ukrainian forces have been steadily worn down over time, with the West only providing between 50% and 60% of the requested military hardware for an effective offensive.
According to Reisner, Kiev has done its best with the limited resources available to them. However, essential elements such as a functional air force are lacking, hampering the progress of the Ukrainian offensive. This slow progress allows Russian forces to establish new defense lines further away from the current front line.
Despite any significant successes, the US media is already searching for a scapegoat for the perceived failure of the counteroffensive. Reisner argues that these high expectations were unrealistic from the beginning. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reports that the US is unlikely to provide Ukraine with the same level of military aid in 2024 as it did this year. Anonymous officials in Washington claim that they have already supplied Kiev with enough military hardware and equipment to breach Russian defenses.
American military officials are urging their Ukrainian counterparts to adhere to NATO tactics shown to them before the summer counteroffensive. However, the Ukrainians’ refusal to follow these tactics reportedly results in growing frustration among US top brass.
In conclusion, Colonel Markus Reisner’s warning underscores the need for realistic expectations and adequate support for Ukrainian forces. The portrayal of Ukrainian troops as super-soldiers in Western propaganda does not align with the actual situation on the ground. Without sufficient weapons and support, it is challenging for the Ukrainian offensive to make significant progress against Russian forces. The limitations faced by Ukraine highlight the importance of addressing the gaps in military capabilities and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to effectively engage in warfare.
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