Regarding Ukraine's military manpower, the draft age was lowered this week to 25. I hope that doesn't end up being too little and too late.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-uk...w%20conscripts.
Because, apparently, Russia has somehow managed to reconstitute its military.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon...official-says/
I'm taking this with a grain of salt. A refurbished T-55 is not a new-production T-90, and a poorly trained conscript is not a veteran VDV Paratrooper. It's also worth noting that several NATO/EU officials have publicly disagreed with the US Deputy Secretary of State's assessment.
That said, Russia's still somehow managed to overcome international sanctions and keep substantial quantities of troops and weaponry in the field without breaking its economy or mobilizing for total war. The assistance that Russia is receiving from its allies could prove decisive. I've seen Russian advantage over Ukraine in artillery shells reported anywhere from 3 to 1 to 7 to 1.
Overall, it's looking like the Ukrainian military is really starting to bend under Russia's continuing material and manpower advantages. I hope that it doesn't break, and I also hope that its allies step up and give them the support that they so desperately need.
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