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Russia's War Aims 'Unlikely to be Realized': UK Defence Secretary

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, January 27th 2026 at 12:23 GMT by BBC
      Locales: UKRAINE, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

London, UK - January 27th, 2026 - A stark assessment delivered today by UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace paints a picture of a protracted and increasingly challenging conflict for Russia in Ukraine. Speaking before the Defence Select Committee, Wallace asserted that Russia's initial aims for the war, launched in February 2022, have failed and are unlikely to be realized. This marks a significant reiteration of the UK's long-held position on the conflict, which has profoundly reshaped the geopolitical landscape.

The February 2022 invasion, initially designed to topple the Ukrainian government and replace it with a pro-Moscow administration, demonstrably faltered. While Russia subsequently shifted its focus to consolidating control over territories in eastern and southern Ukraine, the progress remains slow and fraught with difficulties. Wallace highlighted the ongoing struggles of Russia's current offensive, specifically pointing to persistent logistical and personnel challenges that are hindering their ability to achieve even localized gains.

"Russia has failed to achieve its objectives. It's unlikely to achieve them," Wallace stated, a declaration that underscores a growing consensus within Western intelligence agencies. This assessment is supported by recent intelligence reports detailing a significant depletion of Russia's military resources. The war has taken a heavy toll on both equipment and manpower, leaving Russian forces stretched thin and operating with demonstrably inferior resources compared to their Ukrainian counterparts, particularly those equipped with Western-supplied technology.

The resilience of Ukrainian forces has been a critical factor in thwarting Russia's ambitions. Fueled by a fervent desire for national sovereignty and significantly bolstered by ongoing military and financial assistance from Western nations - including substantial support from the United Kingdom - Ukraine has mounted a fierce and surprisingly effective defense. This international aid package, now entering its fourth year, has included advanced weaponry, training programs, and vital logistical support, enabling Ukraine to sustain its resistance against a much larger and more powerful adversary.

The global repercussions of the conflict have been substantial, extending far beyond the borders of Ukraine and Russia. The war has triggered a cascade of economic consequences, disrupting supply chains, driving up energy prices, and exacerbating inflationary pressures worldwide. The humanitarian crisis remains acute, with millions of Ukrainians displaced from their homes and facing dire circumstances. Efforts to provide humanitarian aid and support displaced populations continue to be a major international undertaking.

The United Kingdom has consistently maintained a prominent role in supporting Ukraine's defense. Beyond providing substantial military aid, the UK has implemented a series of sanctions aimed at crippling the Russian economy and limiting Moscow's ability to finance the war. These sanctions, frequently coordinated with other Western allies, target key sectors of the Russian economy and individuals deemed responsible for the invasion and ongoing aggression.

Looking ahead, analysts predict the conflict will likely remain a protracted and attritional struggle. While Wallace's assessment suggests Russia's chances of achieving its original objectives are slim, the war's trajectory remains complex. Factors such as potential shifts in Western support for Ukraine, internal political dynamics within Russia, and the evolving capabilities of both sides will continue to shape the conflict's future. The ongoing stalemate underscores the deep-rooted geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West and reinforces the need for a diplomatic resolution, however distant that prospect may appear. The UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while simultaneously working to mitigate the wider global consequences of the conflict.