UKRAINE: Throwing MORE GOOD MONEY After Bad /Lt Col Daniel Davis

Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store

The Russian army that invaded Ukraine in 2022 was largely destroyed, but its replacements are now stronger, more experienced, and better equipped, making Russia increasingly lethal on the battlefield. While Russia absorbed early mistakes, it rebuilt through mobilization, retraining, and industrial expansion, giving it a 3–6 times manpower advantage in key sectors.

Ukraine, by contrast, faces severe problems: high casualty rates, desertions (hundreds per day), forced mobilizations, and even allowing citizens over 60 to enlist—parallels drawn to Germany’s desperate late-WWII mobilization. Its economy is in ruins, dependent on foreign aid just to function. Zelensky recently admitted that Ukraine needs $120 billion annually—half from its own budget, half from outside sources—and suggested that if funds don’t arrive, the war might have to end through negotiation or defeat.

European appeals for massive new aid (e.g., $150 billion) have so far yielded little, with only small commitments compared to Ukraine’s needs. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on infrastructure and factories undermine Ukraine’s ability to produce weapons domestically. Overall, Russia is positioned to sustain the war, while Ukraine’s survival hinges entirely on external funding that appears increasingly uncerta