Wesley Clark says Ukraine war with Russia an endurance contest 

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark suggested Wednesday that the war between Ukraine and Russia is a test of patience as both countries appear opposed to compromise in the more than two-year conflict.

“I don’t think Ukraine is going to compromise and give up territory. We’re in a pretty tough situation right now, but I don’t think the Ukrainian military is going to collapse until American aid arrives,” Clark said on NewsNation’s show. He spoke on “The Hill.”

“And I don’t think Russia is going to give up, so this is a game of endurance, it’s a game of national will, and I think the United States and NATO will stand firm to support our beleaguered democracies. It’s also a matter of whether or not,” Clark added. He previously served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.

His comments came as Ukraine anxiously awaits the arrival of new U.S. weapons and equipment approved last month. Kiev’s military has struggled in recent weeks against continued Russian missile and drone attacks, with Russian forces recently capturing several villages in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy remains steadfast in his mission to defeat Russia. Like many Western leaders, he reiterated the claim that a Russian victory would have far-reaching implications for other European countries.

Clark suggested that the Ukraine-Russia war cannot be viewed in terms of time.

“Because what we have here is a critical situation that affects global security,” he said. “If Ukraine collapses, Europe will face a major national security crisis and China will be empowered to attack Taiwan. So it cannot be measured by a clock.”

Last week, the Pentagon announced a $1 billion aid package for Ukraine, shortly after President Biden signed the National Security Supplemental Act, which includes $61 billion in aid for Ukraine.

The additional proposal comes after more than a year of deadlock among lawmakers that blocked passage of additional aid for months after most of the U.S. aid dried up late last year.

Clark predicted that Russia would attempt a “big operation” to seize more land in Ukraine this summer as US aid trickles into the war-torn country.

“It’s going to be a hair-raising period for Ukraine and the West, and…the summer will probably end with a Ukrainian counterattack, regaining much of its lost territory,” he said. “2025 may be the decisive year.”

Clark rejected the idea that Russia would collapse if President Vladimir Putin “loses” his position.

“Look, Putin is the most experienced politician in the world today. He’s a cunning intelligence agent, and it would be much better for us if he went off into the sunset somewhere and retired,” he said. Said.

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