Part 8/17:
Ukraine's defensive capacity is under severe pressure. Herd notes the Ukrainian military is trying to stabilize its forces through measures such as lowering conscription ages and expanding training efforts abroad. Yet, from a manpower perspective, Russia holds a substantial advantage, capable of sustaining higher casualty ratios and replenishing its forces more readily. While Ukrainian forces are exhausted and demoralized, the Ukrainian population remains committed, viewing the conflict as existential—though societal fatigue grows as Russian strikes on civilian centers persist.