Ukraine Gaining Upper Hand in War with Russia, Retired Generals Assert Kyiv — Several retired U.S. generals and a former director of a U.S. intelligence agency have told CBS News they believe Ukraine now holds the strategic advantage in its conflict with Russia. The assessment comes as Ukraine’s top general, Oleksandr Syrski, announced that his forces have reclaimed 600 square kilometers — approximately 232 square miles — from Russian control this year. Syrski did not specify the locations of these gains but indicated that the heaviest fighting has occurred in the southeast regions of Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole. Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, described Ukraine’s position as one of operational success, stating that the country is defeating Russian objectives, creating conditions for future operations, and maintaining strategic flexibility. Two other retired generals echoed Ashley’s analysis, emphasizing that Ukraine’s ability to outmaneuver Russia on the battlefield has shifted the dynamics of the war. Military experts attribute Ukraine’s recent gains to advancements in its mid-range drone strike capabilities. Since 2023, Ukraine has developed an effective arsenal of short-range First Person View (FPV) drones, which now account for over 90% of Russian casualties, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Additionally, Ukraine has begun deploying long-range drones and cruise missiles capable of striking targets hundreds of miles from its borders, including military bases in St. Petersburg. The development of these mid-range systems has been a critical factor in Ukraine’s ability to target Russian logistics and supply chains.#russia #ukraine #volodymyr_zelenskyy #oleksandr_syrski #robert_ashley
