Exactly. And European policymakers need to understand that a Euro/pound of financial support now is worth 10 Euros of extra military expenditures in 2030.
Seeing the miserable state of the Russian army and their donkey-based logistics it really seems they are at a breaking point. And these 'peace talks' come at just the right time for them.
Am I naive to think they will break if Ukraine keeps on the pressure just for a little longer?
Of course, Russia could draft more soldiers but a) there is an associated risk in terms of a local revolt, and b) you still need to adequately arm those soldiers.
A year of sustaining roughly equivalent expenditure of manpower and equipment, until Soviet inventory starts to run dry and manpower becomes a much bigger headache. Based on OSINT showing Soviet stockpiles, manpower estimates and rapid increase in incentives offered to new recruits.
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The 5bn pledged recently is only a drop in the ocean (even if it's fulfilled).
Am I naive to think they will break if Ukraine keeps on the pressure just for a little longer?