National Security Council spokesman John Kirby has stated that Russia’s military leaders are desperate for progress and mishandling pressure. According to the White House, Russia is executing soldiers who refuse to comply with orders and threatening entire units with death if they flee the Ukrainian battlefield. This allegation adds to the growing instability in Moscow’s military leadership after 20 months of war against Ukraine.
Kirby further commented that Russia’s mobilized forces are undertrained, underequipped, and unprepared for combat. He described the Russian military’s tactics as “human wave tactics,” with poorly trained soldiers being thrown into the fight without proper equipment, leadership, resourcing, or support.
When asked about the execution of Russian soldiers, Kirby stated that he is not qualified to answer that question. However, he emphasized that it demonstrates the desperation of Russian military leaders and their mishandling of pressure on the battlefield.
Kirby also reiterated America’s support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion. He referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Ukraine would not be able to last longer than a week without Western military and financial support. Kirby emphasized the need for Congress to pass the supplemental request for resources for Ukraine’s self-defense, humanitarian, and economic needs.
The US Department of Defense has increased its support for Ukraine with an additional assistance package worth up to $150 million. This package includes munitions, missiles, ammunition, rocket systems, and artillery rounds. The Pentagon sees this security assistance as a smart investment in national security, as it helps prevent a larger conflict, deters potential aggression, strengthens defense capabilities, and creates jobs.
The outcome of the war in Ukraine is seen as having far-reaching implications beyond Eastern Europe. Some US politicians believe that it will influence China’s behavior towards its neighboring countries. Sen. Roger Wicker stated that the leadership of the Communist Party of China is watching what happens in Ukraine. A victory for Ukraine could dissuade China from engaging in reckless and aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. The hope is that success in Ukraine will lead to a more peaceful and stable situation in the Pacific.