Russia has already ‘strategically lost’ the war for Ukraine

The head of Britain’s Armed Forces last night insisted Russia has already ‘strategically lost’ the war in Ukraine – as the UK announced more backing for Kyiv and eastern Europe.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said Russia was ‘a more diminished power’ capable only of ‘tiny’ territorial gains after nearly four months of fighting.

It has effectively seized control of Ukraine’s eastern regions, but at a huge cost, estimated to be a quarter of its military resources, he added. It is running out of troops and advanced missiles and would never be able to take over the remainder of the country. He spoke as the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced the UK has bought more than 20 M109 long-range guns to send to Ukraine. The Belgian-made weapons fire 155mm shells accurate up to 25 miles.

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The head of Britain’s Armed Forces last night insisted Russia has already ‘strategically lost’ the war in Ukraine – as the UK announced more backing for Kyiv and eastern Europe

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said Russia was ‘a more diminished power’ capable only of ‘tiny’ territorial gains after nearly four months of fighting

Admiral Sir Tony said: ‘President Putin has used about 25 per cent of his army’s power to gain a tiny amount of territory and 50,000 people either dead or injured’

Britain could also send more troops to Estonia and lead a brigade there, to deter Russia from invading the Baltic country, Mr Wallace said.

Admiral Sir Tony said the invasion of Ukraine was ‘a dreadful mistake’, adding: ‘Russia will never take control of Ukraine.

‘The Russian machine is grinding away, and it’s gaining a couple of – two, three, five – kilometres every day. But President Putin has used about 25 per cent of his army’s power to gain a tiny amount of territory and 50,000 people either dead or injured.

‘Russia is failing. It might be getting some tactical successes over the last few weeks. And those might continue for the next few weeks. But Russia is losing strategically.

‘One reason is that Nato is stronger, with Finland and Sweden looking to join. And we are supporting Ukraine, which has shown how courageous it really is. The UK is in this for the long haul.’

The UK is providing Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and has just delivered 120 armoured fighting vehicles. It has also provided highly-effective NLAW anti-tank missiles.

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The UK is providing Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and has just delivered 120 armoured fighting vehicles. It has also provided highly-effective NLAW anti-tank missiles

A Ukrainian tank steers his way on a road in the northeastern city of Trostyanets, on March 29

Yesterday more military hardware was announced. Mr Wallace said: ‘We are deploying over 20 155mm self-propelled guns (M109s). We have refurbished them and they are starting to go in.’

He told how the UK would transform its two battlegroups in Estonia into a bigger combat unit with major reinforcements on stand-by at home. The establishment of brigades – units with some 3,000 to 5,000 troops – would significantly bolster Nato’s presence in the Baltic states.

■ Britain last night slapped further sanctions on Putin’s henchmen, including officials involved with the ‘barbaric treatment of children in Ukraine’. The UN has opened an investigation into claims thousands of children have been taken into Russia and put up for adoption.

Among those sanctioned yesterday was Russian children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova.

Also on the list was the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Kirill has ‘repeatedly abused his position to justify the war’. The sanctions prevent those on the list from dealing with British businesses and banks, freeze any assets they have here and ban them from entering the UK.