Did politics get in the way? A combat medic explains when Ukraine had the chance to defeat Russia but missed the opportunity.

In the first year of the full-scale war, Ukraine had the opportunity to defeat Russia, but missteps by the military-political leadership of the country resulted in the loss of that chance. Furthermore, the wave of patriotic fervor in the nation was dampened, and the mobilization campaign failed.

This was discussed in an interview with "Telegraph" by co-founder of the First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (PDMG) named after Nikolai Pirogov, Gennady Druzenko. In his view, our losses are a result of ineffective and unprofessional policies.

Read more in the publication: "The First One: Presidential Candidate Druzenko on Political Advertising, Trump's 'Scam,' and Losing the War".

— The shells that never reached the front were stolen by someone in the rear. Appointments are political matters: commanders who send troops into reckless assaults, — says the combat medic. — This is the consequence of a policy where a country that once saw people rushing to enlist at military recruitment offices has turned into a nation where the term "busification" emerged, and entire squads in camouflage are rounding up individuals. It’s the same country. This is indeed a consequence of policy.

When we had the chance to win against the Russians, we hesitated to advance and were afraid to enter Russia in 2022. Now, as Russia has gathered its forces, we are butting our heads against a wall. These are political decisions! — emphasizes Gennady Druzenko.

According to him, Putin is like rain, a thunderstorm, a hurricane, and Ukraine can do nothing about it.

— The Russians have made their choice. Russia is what it is. Moreover, it has been this way for centuries. But we can change something about ourselves. How did a country where people were eager to defend it turn into one where individuals are willing to pay any amount to escape military recruitment and go abroad? This is probably the result of misguided policies, and our defeats are the consequence of these wrong political decisions, — concludes the co-founder of PDMG.

Let us remind you that earlier, "Telegraph" reported on who is delaying Ukraine's NATO membership.