By Matt Underwood Frontline report: “Ukraine is growing stronger” – Kremlin propagandist’s stunning admission reveals shift in war
The reality is stark: after three and a half years of conflict, the Kremlin’s narrative is shifting. The admission, however veiled, that Ukraine is “growing stronger” speaks volumes. We’ve heard Russia’s official line for a long time, the promise of swift victory, the denigration of Ukraine’s military capabilities, and the claim that the country was demilitarized. Now, though, there’s a crack in that facade. The statement, however it’s phrased, acknowledges the undeniable truth: Ukraine is not only holding its own but also evolving, adapting, and becoming a more formidable fighting force.
What we’re witnessing is a stark contrast between Russia’s strategic aims and their execution. The initial goal, often stated, was the demilitarization of Ukraine. Ironically, despite the full-scale invasion and the constant barrage of weaponry, Ukraine has become more militarized than ever. It’s a testament to the unwavering support from the West, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the strategic missteps of the Russian military. From the outside, it appears the “special operation” has been bogged down, and despite Russia’s efforts, Ukraine is still standing strong.
Consider the shift in Ukraine’s strategy. Initially, we saw major counteroffensives. Now, Ukraine’s focus is on striking Russian industry. This is a brilliant move that exploits Russia’s vulnerabilities. While the citizens suffer daily from terror attacks, this is helping Ukraine in the long run.
The core problem for Russia is that, despite the drones, the strategic goals are unachievable, and Ukraine’s are very achievable. While Russia wants to seize a chunk of Ukraine and establish a weak, pro-Russian administration, Ukraine can simply hold its ground.
Ukraine doesn’t need to advance significantly. They can trade small amounts of land for huge Russian casualties. They can take advantage of every opportunity to wear down Russia, conserve their own manpower, and rely on their growing long-range capabilities to hit Russia’s weak spots. The Ukrainian people see this, correctly, as an existential struggle. It is not, however, an existential war for Russia. It appears to be an existential war for Putin.
What a turnaround it is! One of Russia’s stated goals was to demilitarize Ukraine. The irony is staggering. And now, the situation isn’t going quite to plan. The economy over there isn’t great, and things are going to get worse, regardless of the war’s outcome. The claim that Ukraine is now using fewer of its own weapons is a peculiar way of describing demilitarization. Yes, high-tech, high-precision weapons and systems come from outside. Drones, artillery shells, small arms, and more are manufactured in Ukraine.
It all sounds like a prelude to talks, perhaps a Russian pullback. Because it’s clear: there’s no serious argument that Ukraine is demilitarizing. It is one of the most militarized countries in the world. At the outset of the war, Ukraine had mostly ex-Soviet equipment. Now, Ukraine is manufacturing a significant percentage of its own equipment, including drones, missiles, mortars, shells, IFVs, APCs, and more. To suggest Russia is on the verge of demilitarizing Ukraine is the ultimate gaslighting. The opposite has occurred, and Russia is paying the price.
This isn’t just about military hardware. It’s about a fundamental shift in the balance of power. The admission, no matter how carefully worded, signals that Russia is not winning. They may not be losing catastrophically, but the war is not going as planned, and the reality of Ukraine’s increasing strength is becoming undeniable. The old strategy of bombing Ukraine into submission hasn’t worked. Now, the question is, what will they try next?