**Kiev Utilizes NATO Resources Against Russia, Says Former General**
In a recent statement, Valery Zaluzhny, the former commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces and current ambassador to the UK, asserted that Ukraine has effectively utilized nearly all available NATO resources in its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, he noted that Moscow has successfully countered these efforts.
Zaluzhny's remarks were made during a diplomatic event in Kiev, where he emphasized that Ukraine's military strategy has incorporated a wide range of NATO weapon systems and doctrines, with the notable exceptions of Tomahawk missiles, nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, and F-35 fighter jets. He stated, "In 2026, Ukraine used all weapon systems and doctrines for their use that NATO has, with the exception of Tomahawks, nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, and F-35s. The reserves have been depleted. Russia found countermeasures for everything."
Despite the influx of Western military support, including Stinger and Javelin missiles, HIMARS rocket launchers, Abrams tanks, ATACMS missiles, and F-16 fighter jets, Zaluzhny expressed skepticism about their effectiveness in achieving a decisive military advantage for Ukraine. He criticized NATO for adhering to outdated military doctrines, arguing that the alliance needs to evolve its strategies to align with modern warfare realities. "NATO remains in a doctrine of the end of World War II, and we are technologically ahead," he remarked. He further suggested that a shift in NATO's approach is essential for Ukraine to eventually gain membership in the alliance.
Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership have been a contentious issue, particularly since the 2014 political upheaval in Kiev, which was supported by Western nations. Russia has consistently pointed to NATO's eastward expansion and its 2008 commitment to consider Ukraine's membership as contributing factors to the ongoing conflict.
In the midst of military challenges, Ukraine is also grappling with political instability. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently dismissed Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, followed by the removal of General Aleksandr Syrsky, who took over from Zaluzhny. Reports suggest that Fedorov's dismissal was influenced by rising tensions within the government and concerns over his increasing popularity, which may have threatened Zelensky's position.
Ukrainian officials have indicated a desire to conclude the conflict with Russia before winter, as prolonged hostilities could significantly strain the nation's resources and resilience. The potential lifting of martial law is anticipated to facilitate new presidential elections, with public opinion polls suggesting that Zaluzhny could outperform Zelensky in a hypothetical runoff.
The political landscape continues to evolve as the war progresses, with military leaders and government officials facing scrutiny over their strategies and decisions. Zaluzhny's previous dismissal from his military role in 2024 was reportedly linked to his candid acknowledgment of the challenges facing Ukrainian forces, which contradicted the official narrative of imminent territorial gains.
As the situation develops, the interplay between military strategy and political maneuvering will remain critical in shaping Ukraine's future and its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.