Retired U.S. Military Officials Assert Ukraine Has Upper Hand in War with Russia
Several retired U.S. generals and former intelligence officials told CBS News they believe Ukraine now has the operational advantage in its war with Russia, citing recent territorial gains and improved drone capabilities. Ukraine's military has retaken approximately 600 square kilometers this year and developed mid-range drone strike capabilities that account for over 90% of Russian casualties. The assessment highlights Ukraine's improved ability to target Russian logistics and command infrastructure, though experts caution that any advantage remains fragile and dependent on continued Western support and Russian escalation decisions.
Retired U.S. military leaders, including former Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley and military analyst Rob Lee, have assessed that Ukraine is operationally winning by defeating Russian objectives and creating conditions for follow-on operations. Ukraine's top general reported retaking 600 square kilometers in 2026, with the heaviest fighting in the southeast. The primary driver of Ukraine's recent successes is the development of effective mid-range drone capabilities—particularly First Person View (FPV) drones responsible for over 90% of Russian casualties and longer-range systems capable of striking targets 50-100 kilometers beyond the front line. These drones enable Ukraine to target Russian logistics hubs, ammunition warehouses, and command posts, degrading supplies reaching the front. However, military experts including retired Gen. Joseph Ralston cautioned against declaring inevitable Ukrainian victory, noting that Russia remains too strong to be defeated without nuclear escalation and Ukraine lacks sufficient strength to retake all lost territory, while both sides continue to reject ceasefire discussions.
What's missing
The article does not discuss current levels of Western military aid to Ukraine or how potential changes in U.S. political support could affect the trajectory of the conflict. Additionally, there is limited discussion of Russian military capabilities, recent Russian advances, or how Russia might respond to Ukraine's drone developments.
How coverage differed
CBS News presented the assessment from retired U.S. military officials as credible expert analysis while including important caveats from those same experts about the fragility of Ukraine's position. The framing emphasizes operational gains and technological advantages while balancing this with warnings that strategic victory remains uncertain and dependent on factors beyond Ukraine's control, presenting a measured rather than triumphalist narrative.
What different sources said
- CBS NewsCenter
Ukraine winning war with Russia, retired U.S. generals say
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