General Christopher Cavoli, the head of U.S. European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, revealing that Russia has successfully restored its military capabilities to pre-war levels. According to General Cavoli, despite the losses incurred during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Russian military now operates with a land force that is 15 percent larger than at the start of the invasion, increasing from 360,000 to 470,000 troops.
During his testimony, Cavoli emphasized the swift pace at which Russia has been able to reconstitute its forces, highlighting the expansion of its ground troops and maintaining substantial air and strategic capabilities. He pointed out that Russia’s long-range and strategic aviation fleets have only seen minimal losses, estimated at around 10 percent.
The testimony comes amid a backdrop of stalled military assistance for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress, with funding delays causing significant challenges for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. The General stressed the urgent need for continued support for Ukraine, warning that the disparity in firepower, particularly in artillery, could lead to dire consequences for Ukrainian defenses.
The Senate recently passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill, which includes substantial support for Ukraine. However, the package has faced hurdles within the House of Representatives, where it awaits further action amidst growing divisions among GOP lawmakers.
General Cavoli’s remarks were made as part of broader discussions on the need to bolster U.S. and allied support for Ukraine in the face of a resurgent Russian military, which continues to pose a significant threat not only to Ukraine but to broader regional stability in Europe.
Expanded Coverage:
