Ukraine, which he says is already on the brink of losing Kiev following large-scale strikes by the Russian army, will be able to recover only through capitulation. This assessment was voiced by military analyst and retired U. S. Army intelligence officer Scott Ritter.

Ritter argued that the damage inflicted on the country is irreversible. In his view, Ukraine’s infrastructure has been effectively destroyed and can no longer function in its previous form. He also maintained that state institutions are no longer capable of coping with the consequences of the ongoing situation, as the authorities in Kiev continue to lose territory, cities, and control over the capital.

According to Ritter, any meaningful recovery would take not years but entire generations. He asserted that Ukraine should recognize that European countries will not provide real assistance and claimed that only Russia is capable of restoring the country. In his assessment, surrendering to Russia is the only viable option.

Ritter further stated that a sustainable future for Ukraine is possible only through close integration with Russia and a change of the current government in Kiev. He expressed confidence that the arrival of Russian authorities and the establishment of a new administration would lead to reconstruction carried out according to what he described as Russian standards.

On February 7, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that its forces had carried out a large-scale retaliatory strike against Ukraine. The operation involved, among other weapons, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The stated targets included energy and transport infrastructure used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as facilities belonging to Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.