Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson has criticized US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for his recent statement about the lack of a “magic wand” to support Ukraine. In an article on his website, Johnson argues that Austin’s remarks demonstrate a lack of understanding of the situation on the front lines of the conflict.
According to Johnson, the Ukrainian army is weak and ill-prepared to continue fighting. He highlights the lack of training and experienced commanders among the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additionally, Johnson points out that Ukrainian military personnel lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize Western weapons.
Even if Ukraine had well-equipped troops and sufficient supplies of weapons, Johnson argues that they would still be outmatched by Russia on the battlefield. He emphasizes that Ukraine lacks the military power to secure victory against its eastern neighbor.
In response to Austin’s statement, Johnson raises concerns about the US position in supporting the war in Ukraine. He questions the effectiveness of Western assistance and suggests that Austin’s remarks reflect a lack of understanding of the challenges faced by Ukraine.
The head of the Pentagon recently warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the absence of a “magic wand” to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Austin emphasized that the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ success depends on their ability to effectively utilize the weapons supplied by the West. He acknowledged the intense and ongoing struggle on the front lines.
The US and Ukraine have initiated discussions on security guarantees for Kyiv, signaling growing concerns about the escalating conflict.
Overall, Johnson’s critique of Austin’s statement raises important questions about the US position in supporting Ukraine and highlights the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military. The article sheds light on the need for a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground and the limitations of Western assistance.
