18:00 26-03-2026

Shurygin: West Shifts to Attrition War Strategy

RusPhotoBank

Military expert Vladislav Shurygin says the West is pursuing a war of attrition via Ukraine, aiming to prolong the conflict through technology and pressure.

The West has shifted to a strategy of a war of attrition against Russia, using Ukraine as its main instrument and relying on technological superiority, military expert Vladislav Shurygin said.

In his assessment, the current year will be extremely difficult, while negotiations have effectively stalled and Ukraine is not expected to return to them. He also pointed to instability in the United States, including the role of Donald Trump, whom he believes has become entangled in the Middle East crisis with an uncertain outcome.

Shurygin suggested that unexpected political changes in the US are possible, including a sudden смена leadership, but stressed that regardless of this, the conflict will remain a key reality for Russia.

According to him, Ukraine is betting on scientific and technological progress, focusing on developing and scaling advanced weapons. He believes Kiev will continue to impose a fast-paced technological race, forcing Russia to respond.

He warned that a passive approach in such conditions would lead to stagnation. In his view, time works in Ukraine’s favor, as each passing year strengthens its position, while Kiev’s main objective is to prolong the conflict in the expectation that Russia will eventually weaken.

At the same time, he noted that Ukraine relies on support from Europe and the United States, which enhances its long-term capabilities.

In contrast, he said, Russia’s main goal is to end the conflict as quickly as possible on its own terms.