"Ukrainians Are Invincible" Unyielding Will to Resist Even at the Risk of Returning Home... Did It Work Against Russia's Overwhelming Military Superiority?

Local Defense Forces of Ukraine Waiting for Orders
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Ukrainian citizens living abroad have reportedly returned home, determined to fiercely defend their homeland against the Russian invasion.

According to major foreign media on the 5th (local time), Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine's Minister of Defense, stated that "more than 66,200 Ukrainians living abroad have returned to participate in this war."

Minister Reznikov emphasized, "Many people have come back from abroad to protect the country from Russia," adding, "There are more than 12 combat units and motivated brigades. We Ukrainians are invincible."

Initially, military experts predicted that Ukraine would suffer a complete defeat if it clashed militarily with Russia, as Russia holds an overwhelming advantage in military strength.

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Military Balance report, Ukraine spent $4.7 billion on military expenses in 2021. In contrast, nuclear-armed Russia spent $45.8 billion on defense, about ten times that of Ukraine.

Russia also had about three times the manpower. Ukraine has 196,000 active-duty personnel and 900,000 reservists, while Russia has 900,000 active-duty troops and 2 million reservists.

Additionally, Russia possesses more than 15,857 armored combat vehicles, whereas Ukraine has 3,309. Russia owns 1,391 combat aircraft compared to Ukraine's 128. Helicopters number 821 for Russia and 55 for Ukraine. Notably, Russia has 49 submarines, while Ukraine has none.

Russian Military Vehicles Destroyed and Scattered on the Outskirts of Ukraine's Capital
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

Despite such overwhelming military power, Russia is struggling even on the 10th day of its invasion of Ukraine. Analysts suggest that the strong fighting spirit of Ukrainian citizens is a key factor.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken predicted that Ukraine will win against Russia. In an interview with the BBC after a meeting with NATO and European Union (EU) foreign ministers in Brussels, Belgium, he responded "Yes" when asked if he was confident in Ukraine's victory.

Secretary Blinken said, "It suggests a lot that it is not Russia holding Ukraine's fate in its hands, but 45 million Ukrainians passionately fighting for their future and freedom who can force Russia to submit."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.