Turning point in war within 6–9 months: Zhorin names two crucial conditions

The next 6–9 months could indeed mark a turning point in the war, provided that Ukraine manages to maintain its current momentum on the battlefield.

Maksym Zhorin, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Army Corps, said this in an interview with 24 Kanal, commenting on the widely discussed forecast by the Corps Commander, Andriy Biletskyi.

According to Zhorin, Biletskyi’s assessment regarding the exhaustion of the Russian military is completely realistic and rests on two key factors currently observed on the front lines.

Factor one: The enemy’s advance has been halted

“First is the enemy's advance. Today, within the sector of the 3rd Army Corps, it has ground to a complete halt. In areas where six months ago we saw losses of up to 70 kilometers a month, the enemy is either making no progress at all or is even gradually losing these territories at the tactical level,” the officer said.

He noted that the 3rd Army Corps has completely stopped the enemy across its overall sector of the active line of contact.

“That is to say, there are still areas where the enemy is present and capable of advancing, but they are insignificant,” Zhorin clarified.

Factor two: Technological edge and rising Russian casualties

Zhorin asserts that even when active assaults are halted, Russian casualties continue to mount due to Ukraine's technological edge.

How to turn the tide

“Halting the enemy and draining their manpower—these two factors allow us to make such forecasts. If we maintain this momentum and hold onto this initiative, then yes, indeed, in about 6–9 months we can talk about a critical turning point in our favor,” he said.

According to the officer, this can be achieved by:

- Integrating technology-driven warfare at all levels.

- Scaling up effective command and control practices already proven in frontline units.