Linkevičius: Objectively, Russians Are Losing

From Vilnius, the assessment by former Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius that Russia is objectively losing the war in Ukraine resonates deeply. This perspective, shared by many across the Baltic region and Eastern Europe, is not merely wishful thinking but a sober analysis of the battlefield realities and the Kremlin's increasing isolation.

Linkevičius's observation that Moscow is facing growing popular discontent is particularly significant. While Russian state media projects an image of national unity, the reality on the ground, as suggested by the diplomat, is likely far more complex. The economic strain of the war, coupled with the mounting casualties, inevitably erodes public support, even in an authoritarian system.

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Today, we can objectively say that the Russians are losing the war in Ukraine, and Moscow is facing growing discontent among its population.

The approaching Victory Day, a highly symbolic date in Russia, is framed by Linkevičius as a moment of reckoning. The absence of any significant Russian gains to celebrate starkly contrasts with the Kremlin's narrative of a swift and successful operation. This disconnect between propaganda and reality is becoming increasingly apparent, both domestically and internationally.

For Lithuania, a nation with a historical understanding of Russian aggression and a strong commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, this assessment is crucial. It reinforces the need for continued Western support for Ukraine and sustained pressure on Russia. The idea that Russia is not only failing militarily but also facing internal challenges offers a glimmer of hope, but it is tempered by the understanding that a cornered adversary can be unpredictable. The narrative here is one of resilience in Ukraine and a strategic miscalculation by Russia, a view often contrasted with more hesitant or ambiguous analyses found in some Western European media.

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the fact that there is nothing to celebrate is becoming more and more obvious as the Victory Day celebration approaches in Moscow.