Q&A: What will Decide Ukraine's Victory or Defeat? What did the West do Wrong? Has the West a Future

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[militaryandhistory]

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[Qornv]

I always rely on this channel for a sober overview of the state of war. I went through quite a few channels that report news and analyses about Ukraine, as most at some point defaulted to cheerleading for their side, while this has been consistently level headed which I really appreciate.

[spaceodyssey]

A well expressed interpretation and opinion of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thank you.

[item]

Awesome. Thank you very much. You would seriously make a fine German Foreign Minister or Chancellor.

[richardhouser]

Torsten, a very educational and valuable talk! Thank you! Keep going!

[alandevries]

Thanks, Torsten. I think you answered the question well.

[carlclark]

TORSTEN…..Once again, calling it like it is! I like it!
Thank you kindly sir!

[DeeJay-tg]

A candid honest answer to a viewers question.

[koenlauwaert]

Great work Torsten, firm handshake from Belgium 🇧🇪

[insanecbrotha]

QA is a cool format for this channel! :)

[brianrasmussen]

Great content. A small remark here is that even IF Russia consolidates the already occupied areas, the Ukraine cannot simply acknowledge these as "Russian" or "independent". It will require a change of the laws, which is feasible, but not an option that is actually on the table at this time. This means that the Ukraine will continue to see the Donbass, Luhansk and Kherson as Ukrainian and occupied by Russia until it is returned to them. Hence the war will never end as long as Putin is allowed to steal these areas.

[creativeproducer]

Good video. You are quite impressive on matters of geopolitics. I didn’t realise. I have been watching your channel a long time and thought you were just more of a military tactician.
Thanks for sharing your insights 👍

[item]

Torsten, I have a suggestion for your consideration. This video was very good. I wonder if you should re-release it or change its status so that ordinary viewers can watch it too? It might make them aware of the high quality content they are missing out on by not being members.
The strategy may not work, but it may be worth trying.

[howtoappearincompletely]

Damn. This is all so true. And it hurts.

[zhzsrot]

Agree the West gave Russia every opportunity to attack and win by inaction and ensured Ukraine couldn't win by the same as inaction.

[TheTplehar]

Really like to hear your responses. Yes, and I wholeheartedly agree _"... the west is the best ..."_ defender of human rights. I strongly hope *Trump* will stand firm, as he did in his past administration, and will do more to help Ukraine survive this assult. Like the realistic hope you expressed that Ukraine may end up like Finland, albeit somewhat defeated, at least surviving, and realize this will require very strong support from the West that is by no means certain.

[ristoikonen]

In fact, there are two types of wartime armies. In some countries, all men of military age are obliged to do compulsory military service, after which they remain in the reserves. On the other hand, there are countries with relatively small armies that recruit soldiers in the same way that workers are hired in a factory.
Finland does not have a professional army. Here, "every male Finnish citizen is liable to military service from the beginning of the year in which he turns 18 until the end of the year in which he turns 60". In the event of mobilisation, soldiers receive no pay, only a daily allowance (this also applies to regular army personnel). I assume this is closer to 500 than 1000 euros per month.
In the US military, all soldiers sign an eight-year service contract when they join the army. Some enlisted soldiers serve in the reserves, others on active duty. The starting pay for a soldier serving in the reserves is $240 per month and for active duty $2, 000 per month.
The main difference is that in countries where there is conscription, soldiers are seen as civilians fulfilling their duty by contributing to the defence of their country. In an autocracy they serve the ruler, whereas in a democracy they serve their national sovereignty. On the other hand, in a country with a professional army, soldiers are like factory workers; they carry out the orders of their employer. That's all.
A professional army is sufficient in a country that is not threatened by an imminent military attack. It is no coincidence that the United States, the United Kingdom and France rely on a professional army. It is also understandable why countries such as Finland, Estonia and Greece have conscript armies.
But what about Ukraine? If soldiers are paid to fight, they are at least a semi-professional army. However, outsourcing the defence of democracy to paid troops is disastrous in a country which is under attack by a stronger military power. Ukraine should mobilise as soon as possible, otherwise it will lose the war.

[rusty]

In regards to your first response, I think the more relevant question is, 'How can Russia win?'. If they haven't by now, and are unable to make any operational breakthrough - and less chance over time - how can they achieve victory? That's the real question.

[mpozad]

You overlook the fact that during the first year the Russian Army disgraced itself to the point going from the 2nd best army in the world to the second best army in Ukraine.

[freshundies]

the right thing to do is the hardest thing to do and i feel our species is still trying to figure out how to treat ourselves as one and western indology is the manifestation of that internal desire.