At Current Pace, Russia Would Need 83 Years to Conquer Ukraine: What’s Going Wrong?.

Growing Criticism of Russia’s Military Campaign

According to TSN.ua: In recent months, criticism has mounted in Russia over the military’s inability to achieve success in Ukraine, particularly in the face of counterattacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has identified numerous issues within the Russian armed forces that hinder their path to victory. According to ISW estimates, if the pace of the offensive remains unchanged from February 2025, it would take the Russian occupation army 83 years to seize the remaining territory of Ukraine.

Authorities Under Fire and Expert Analysis

As military setbacks continue, criticism of Russia’s leadership is intensifying. On March 17, 2026, Ilya Remeslo publicly expressed dissatisfaction with President Putin’s actions. Just two days later, on March 19, 2026, Remeslo was forcibly placed in a psychiatric hospital. This incident highlights an atmosphere of fear and repression in society, where even criticizing the government can lead to severe consequences.

Military experts are also pointing to the difficulties Russia faces. Kostyantyn Mashovets noted that Russia’s Western Grouping of Forces had not completed preparations for an assault on Lyman, revealing problems in the organization and planning of military operations. Furthermore, according to assessments, Russia’s spring-summer offensive of 2026 has already begun, but as one milblogger stated,

“the Russian occupation army suffers from problems that prevent them from achieving success on the front line.”

“it would take Russia’s troops about 100 years to capture the rest of Ukraine.”

The situation on the front remains tense, and criticism of the Russian authorities is only growing amid these military failures. It is important to monitor further developments and the Kremlin’s response to internal dissent, as this could significantly impact military operations in Ukraine.

Faced with battlefield defeats and rising public discontent, the Russian leadership is grappling with serious challenges that could reshape its future policies. Increasing dissatisfaction among citizens, especially in light of crackdowns on government critics, may lead to greater social tension. At the same time, military experts highlight deficiencies in the organization and training of Russian troops, casting doubt on their ability to conduct effective operations at the front.