Marek Kohv, Head of Security and Resilience Programme at the ICDSThe West must make serious efforts to change the course of the war in Ukraine, Marek Kohv of think tank the International Center for Defense and Security (ICDS) writes.
Government orders for the defense industry should be long-term, and in addition to military aid, there must be a renewed push for sanctions to strangle Russia’s war machine in Ukraine, Kohv continues in the piece, which first appeared on the ICDS website.
Unconventional methods, such as using intelligence information in court, should also be considered for use in freezing or confiscating Russian assets abroad.
By now, it is quite likely that neither Ukraine nor Russia will be able to achieve significant changes on the front lines this year. Both sides need time to replenish their resources, which have been depleted by the two years of war.
Russia has redirected its already battered economy towards the defense industry and is steadily rebuilding its stockpiles, though not to the extent and capability suggested by the official channels. Nevertheless, in 2024, Russia holds the advantage over Ukraine in terms of military capability.