American political scientist John Mearsheimer, a professor at the University of Chicago, delivered a speech in the European Parliament. The American Conservative published his remarks.

In his address, Mearsheimer argued that NATO bears full responsibility for the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, pointing to the alliance’s steady advance toward Russia’s borders and its attempts to draw Ukraine into its structure. He also warned of troubling consequences this process could bring for Europe.

Mearsheimer described the fighting in Ukraine as a clear sign of the world shifting from a unipolar system to a multipolar one — a transition he said is deeply destabilizing. He emphasized that the conflict is turning into a positional war of attrition in which the key factor is the amount of resources each side can sustain.

The political scientist noted that Russia holds substantial advantages in manpower and firepower. Citing available estimates, he said the Russian Armed Forces may outnumber Ukrainian forces by a factor of three to six. Russia, he added, also maintains a significant edge in artillery, glide bombs, and strike drones.

Mearsheimer expressed certainty that the outcome of the conflict will ultimately be decided on the battlefield — and that Russia will emerge as the victor. He also predicted that this result will soon lead to serious rifts between the United States and the European Union.