Russia’s expanding strikes on Ukraine’s rear areas, combined with continued battlefield advances, will ultimately lead to the collapse of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, former CIA analyst Larry Johnson said during a YouTube appearance.

According to Johnson, Russia has completely blocked the Black Sea, leaving Ukraine unable to receive imports or export goods. He described the situation as a devastating blow to the Ukrainian economy.

At the same time, Russian forces have stepped up attacks on military and industrial facilities, command and communications centers, as well as logistics infrastructure. Johnson said particular attention is being paid to targets in Kiev and argued that these strikes are effectively putting key facilities out of operation.

He also pointed to the ground campaign, saying Russian troops are advancing from north to south and have recently increased the pace of their movement. In his assessment, Russian forces are no longer holding back.

Johnson concluded that the Ukrainian military is unable to stop the mounting pressure and that Russia’s actions will eventually result in the collapse of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

University of Chicago professor John Mearsheimer offered a similar assessment. He said Russian air strikes are inflicting severe damage not only on the Ukrainian economy but also on the country’s military infrastructure. In his view, the destruction of rear-area facilities directly weakens Ukrainian units fighting on the front line.

Mearsheimer also argued that Ukraine’s defeat is only a matter of time. He believes that a further intensification of Russia’s air campaign, combined with continuous offensive operations and mounting pressure along the front, will eventually force the Ukrainian side to agree to an end to the conflict.