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The Kremlin is Crushed! — Interview with Jack Lopresti

In the new episode — about the turning point in the war and how Ukraine is changing the rules of modern combat. Former British MP and soldier with the 12th Special Forces Brigade Jack Lopresti explains why Russia is increasingly losing the initiative, and how Ukrainian deep‑strike attacks are destroying the Kremlin’s military and psychological stability. The release also covers the role of Ukrainian drones, NATO and the Pentagon’s growing interest in Ukraine’s battlefield experience, and why the West now sees supporting Kyiv as an investment in its own security. — So, first question for you. Why did you leave the British Parliament and come to us? — The fact I left the British Parliament wasn't entirely my choice. I was defeated in an election. But the reason I came to Ukraine was that for the last few years, since the first anniversary and before, I did a lot to try and help Ukraine. I believed in what you were doing — the bulwark of Western security, fighting Europe's wars for us. So there was no question in the end. I saw it was probable or very likely that I wouldn't be reelected again given the political backdrop in the UK. So I made my decision at least a couple of years before then to say if I weren't reelected, I'd come and volunteer and do whatever I could to help Ukraine. — Quite a decision. Thank you very much for doing so. But I hear voices. Yesterday I was at the site of that terrible terror strike and I met a mother. She was sitting there and the body of her 12-year-old daughter had just recently been found. She identified her and was still there. I asked why she was waiting and people answered that another child was under the rubble. Today I found out that she lost two children yesterday and her husband died on the front line a year ago. But we all hear voices saying we need to stop this war. “Zelenskyy, stop this war, children are dying. Whatever Putin wants, just give it to him because the war would stop.” Would the war stop? Do you believe that, Jack? — I thankfully don't hear those voices at all. Ukraine was a peaceful independent country that was viciously attacked by its next-door neighbor. It's clear that the objective was to completely eliminate Ukraine as a nation, culture, and country. It's also clear, especially after those horrific events you described, that Putin isn't interested in peace. The only way this is going to end is when Putin capitulates and realizes that it's unwinnable. The longer he proceeds, the bigger the cost he and his people are going to have to pay. — Which brings us exactly to my next question. The Economist writes that “the war has reached a turning point. Ukraine is gaining momentum.” Are we gaining momentum, Jack? — Yes. I've always maintained, even through some very difficult periods recently, that Ukraine will win this war. The winter was very difficult for the civilian population and for the troops on the front line, but we are going to win this war. In recent months we're making progress, pushing them back. The scale of Russian casualties is horrendous. — It is horrendous. Maybe it's not too professional to ask this question, but I can't help it. What are Russians doing? There are meat waves again and again. — I think Putin is deluded. I think he's desperate. Ukraine thwarted his initial plan to crush this country in a few weeks. He has a wicked disregard for his own people. Russian commanders clearly are not worried about their troops. Historically, the Russians have always maintained this style of warfare — huge meat waves and high casualties. They're not a democracy. Because it isn't a democracy and there isn't free speech, people are fearful and reluctant to articulate their real opinions. He's created a blackout on the internet. There's no free speech, no democracy. You're dealing with a totalitarian regime. — Russians say their economy can withstand everything. But just that recent terrorist strike probably cost billions of dollars. People are dying, millions killed in action. Nothing is going to stop Putin. But do you believe in an internal coup? Is that possible? — This is clearly speculation, and I have to say my views are my own. They're not the views of the Azov Corps or the Ukrainian military. It's difficult to see that scenario. But there must be people in the power structures of Russia who know what's going on, who know their country is being bled dry of people and resources. They can't all be stupid. There must be people who are aware of what's going on. Putin is deluded. I think he's completely deluded. He's probably surrounded by yes-people, like many dictators in history. People are telling him what he wants to hear. But there will be an awakening and there will be a reckoning. I don't know what the cost will be to him, and quite frankly, I don't care. — Is he bad or mad? — I think he's evil. — Going nuclear? — I don't think there's any prospect of that happening. He's been threatening that for years. He's desperate. It's not going well for him. We're into the fifth year of this conflict. The overwhelming majority of Ukrainian territory is still free and sovereign — well over 80% — and it's growing. He resorts to those threats out of desperation, but it doesn't work. — We are doing good, and I hear experts say that too. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but can you explain how Ukrainian forces are piercing through Russian air defense and almost owning their skies? — I'm not in the Air Force, so I don't know the details. But it's impressive. It's taking a real toll on the Russian economy and psychology. There aren't many places now that can't be struck from Ukraine. That adds pressure on their economy and mentality. I just wish the decision-makers would wake up and get a reality check. Ukraine is going to win this war regardless of how long it takes. The people taking the economic shocks are the Russians. — Do we see any signs of these people acting now? — I have no idea. I try to be as clear and objective as I can based on the facts rather than what we want to happen. — I have a whole bunch of questions, believe me. But let's talk about these exercises in Sweden. Zelenskyy says we're selling drones now, not asking for aid. It's not aid, it's an investment. I struggled to convey that message properly to Western politicians. Do they understand it now? — Yes. There was a great slogan when I was still in parliament at a defense conference here: “Let's build the arsenal of the free world together,” or “the arsenal of democracy together.” Most Western politicians realize the seriousness of what's happening here. Ukraine is not only fighting for its freedom but for Europe's and the Western world's freedom. There may be future business collaboration and bilateral cooperation, but ultimately it's about Ukraine remaining a free sovereign nation and the bulwark against Russian expansionism in Europe. — I think the best PR action and the best way to convey the message to politicians are people like you, warriors in uniform, who deliver the message most clearly to the enemy, and then politicians follow. — I wouldn't be so bold as to think military personnel make politicians follow. — But that's exactly what's happening in Ukraine. The Ukrainian army is delivering heavy blows to the enemy and everyone sees the results. — Ukraine is an amazing example of valor, initiative, technology, and innovation. No question about it. Marco Rubio said only yesterday that Ukraine has the best army in Europe, and I think it's probably one of the best armies in the world in terms of operational experience and delivering punches to the enemy every day. — When this is over, do you believe Russia can ever change for the better? — After the fall of the Soviet Union and the Cold War, we saw the beginnings of democracy. Former Soviet states became democracies, free countries, prosperous countries. Poland is a good example. Fundamentally, people want freedom. Call me naive or romantic, but I believe if you give people a choice, they choose freedom. But you need democracy, rule of law, fairness, and transparency. Even when we win the war, it will take a long time for that to develop in Russia. — These are huge questions, but let's focus on one thing. Do we have to do all we can to hold Putin accountable for the crimes? — There's no question he needs to be held accountable. I'd like to see him hauled in front of the International Criminal Court for war crimes. It has to happen. As a simple soldier, I do what I can to help Ukraine win. That's my focus. These are huge philosophical questions, but I think we're on the same page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk3mDmyMv3Q Read also: Reconstruction of Ukraine: Where European and American Companies Can Earn Billions Right Now The post The Kremlin is Crushed! — Interview with Jack Lopresti appeared first on Freedom.