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Retired Austrian Lieutenant General Christian Segur-Cabanac has described Ukraine’s continued defense against a much larger Russia for over three years as something “between a miracle and a sensation.”
Speaking to a Ukrinform correspondent in Vienna, Segur-Cabanac—who also heads the Society for Political and Strategic Studies (STRATEG)—noted:
“At the beginning of the invasion, I thought it would last only a few weeks—as it was apparently initially planned. But when I saw Russia’s rigid doctrinal approach collide with Ukraine’s more flexible use of forces and resources, I realized this would not be a short campaign, but the emergence of serious resistance. The fact that this war has continued for so long is, for me, somewhere between a miracle and a sensation—I can’t describe it any other way.”
Against this backdrop, the retired general emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have demonstrated determination, military ingenuity, innovation, and the ability to quickly adapt to new methods and technologies—successfully pushing back against superior enemy forces.
At the same time, he warned that Russia’s material and human resources far exceed Ukraine’s, making continued international support vital.
“Without reinforced support in the form of weapons and ammunition from Europe or America, this balance likely cannot be maintained over time. A crucial factor will be the decision by the United States—whether it continues financial and material support or withdraws it. That will be decisive,” Segur-Cabanac said.
In his view, even with the best intentions, European countries cannot fully replace what the U.S. provides—especially in areas like electronic intelligence.
“These are complex matters, but I can only take off my hat or salute, as a soldier, what Ukraine and its Armed Forces are accomplishing.”
He also stressed that stopping Russian aggression requires Europe, above all, to strengthen its support for Ukraine’s resistance and send a clear message to Moscow that capturing Ukraine will not be easy.
“I don’t believe Russia currently sees Europe or individual European countries as equal negotiating partners. Therefore, the only path forward is for Europe to intensify its financial and military assistance to Ukraine—demonstrating to the Russians that this won’t be easy. There is no other way. It is absolutely essential to maintain both European and American support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces—military and financial—otherwise the situation will look grim,” the STRATEG president concluded.
As previously reported, NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, Admiral Pierre Vandier, said that Ukraine’s creativity—particularly in operations like “Spiderweb” inside Russian territory—offers valuable lessons for Western militaries.
Read also: Pistorius Pledges Additional €1.9 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine
