Assessment of Russia's losses in Ukraine
Former special envoy of US President Donald Trump, Keith Kellogg, assessed Russia's losses in Ukraine and their potential consequences in an interview on PBS NewsHour's Compass Points program. He compared this situation to the Soviet-Afghan war, noting that the Soviet Union suffered losses of eighteen thousand people during the conflict in Afghanistan. According to Kellogg's estimates, Russia has lost between 1.2 and 1.4 million people, killed and wounded, as a result of the war in Ukraine.
Kellogg emphasized that such significant losses could have serious consequences for Russia.
“If you continue to suffer such losses, ultimately you will reach that part of Russia west of the Urals, and people will begin to ask: 'What is happening here?'” he noted.This indicates possible internal problems in Russia that may arise due to prolonged military losses and their impact on society.
Ukraine's plans to strengthen its army
In addition, Kellogg touched upon Ukraine's plans to create a large army, which is expected to consist of 800,000 soldiers. These plans could significantly alter the military situation in the region. Currently, the new axis of the West is likely to run through Poland and Ukraine and further into Romania, which may affect the geopolitical situation in Europe.
Thus, Kellogg's assessment regarding Russia's losses in Ukraine and Ukraine's plans to strengthen its armed forces highlight critical aspects of the current situation in the region that could have far-reaching consequences for both countries and international politics as a whole.
Keith Kellogg's statements reflect the duration and complexity of the conflict in Ukraine, which has the potential to affect not only the internal situation in Russia but also stability across Europe. Ukraine's plans to expand its army may indicate a further escalation of the conflict, potentially leading to a change in the strategic balance in the region. Given the high casualties of Russia and the intensification of military actions by Ukraine, the geopolitical consequences of this conflict could be significant for the entire continent.