Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said pressure was mounting on the Russian president as his country’s defenses weakened in the face of Ukrainian counter-attacks. It comes after British intelligence said it was unclear whether Russia’s frontline forces had sufficient reserves or morale to withstand attacks by Ukrainian forces. Vladimir Putin faces increasing pressure as Russia’s frontline forces weaken and Ukraine’s defenses strengthen (AP) Sir Tony told the BBC: “From the outset, we said this was a strategic mistake by President Putin and strategic mistakes lead to strategic consequences. And in this case, it is a strategic failure. “Putin is failing in all of his military strategic goals. He wanted to subjugate Ukraine. this is not going to happen. “He wanted to take control of the capital. we saw that he was defeated earlier. We saw that he wanted to weaken NATO. NATO is now much stronger and we have Finland and Sweden joining. “He wants to break international resolve. Well, that’s actually been reinforced during this period, and he’s under pressure, his problems are increasing.” Sir Tony added that Mr Putin does not have enough manpower or equipment to carry out his military objectives, especially as Ukrainian forces grow stronger. “We also see wonderful Ukrainian armed forces who have been courageous, fighting for their country and have embraced the international support that we all provide,” he said. But he also warned that countries should remain cautious, saying: “I think it’s important in terms of what’s happening on the ground – it’s really important for morale in Ukraine and important for the impact it has on Russian forces. Ukrainian soldiers rest at a former Russian position in the recently recaptured area around Izyum (AP) “But people have to be careful. the likely result of all this is that it will continue for a long time. “And that’s why there’s hope when people jump to conclusions that either President Putin is weak and his power base can be undermined, or that Ukraine has gained some ground and there’s been a wonderful move in the northeast. But it doesn’t automatically lead to easy wins elsewhere.” In a statement, the UK Ministry of Defense said Russia had escalated its attacks on civilian targets over the past seven days, despite the fact that its actions had no “direct military effect”. “As it faces setbacks on the front lines, Russia has likely expanded the locations it is prepared to strike in an effort to directly undermine the morale of the Ukrainian people and government,” the State Department briefing said.
