Daily Mirror

Russia ‘has strategica­lly lost Ukraine war already’

Forces chief says Putin doomed

- BY CHRIS HUGHES Defence and Security Editor c.hughes@mirror.co.uk @defencechr­is

Any notion that this is a success for Russia is nonsense

ADMIRAL RADAKIN ON MOSCOW’S BUOYANCY

THE head of Britain’s Armed Forces has claimed Russia has “strategica­lly lost” the war in Ukraine and is now a “more diminished power”.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said Vladimir Putin had lost a quarter of his land power for minimal gains since invading almost four months ago.

While Russia may achieve “tactical successes” in the coming weeks, he branded it “nonsense” to say Moscow was winning the war.

He told soldiers at Edinburgh Castle: “This is a dreadful mistake by Russia. Russia will never take control of Ukraine.

“Russia has strategica­lly lost already. NATO is stronger, Finland and Sweden are looking to join.”

Admiral Radakin continued: “The Russian machine is grinding away, and it’s gaining... two, three, five kilometres every day.

“And that’s tough for Ukraine, but this is going to be a long fight. And we’re supporting Ukraine. Ukraine has shown how courageous it really is. “And Russia has vulnerabil­ities because it’s running out of people, it’s running out of high-tech missiles. “President Putin has used about 25% of his army’s power to gain a tiny amount of territory.” The Russian death toll is 33,000 with 17,000 injured. Admiral Radakin claimed Russia is now a “more diminished power” diplomatic­ally and economical­ly than several months ago.

He added: “Any notion that this is a success for Russia is nonsense. Russia is failing.

“It might be getting some tactical successes over the last few weeks. And those might continue for the next few weeks. But Russia is losing strategica­lly.”

 ?? ?? ON THE MONEY Ukraine hits tank targets with missiles
ON THE MONEY Ukraine hits tank targets with missiles
 ?? ?? DISMISSIVE Adm Radakin
DISMISSIVE Adm Radakin

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