Alarming winter ahead: Western aid to Ukraine dwindling, Russia gears up for protracted struggle
There's no question that this winter will be very demanding for Ukrainians. Kyiv's authorities are working to ready its citizens, recognizing that they must keep up the strenuous fight against Russia.
1:08 PM EST, December 16, 2023
Die Zeit experts estimate that since August, Western nations have been shipping less equipment and ammunition, and support from the U.S. remains uncertain. Why? Conflict within Congress is the main culprit. Republicans refuse to ratify the Ukraine aid package until they secure approval for changes in current domestic policy from Democrats.
According to Die Zeit, European support for Ukraine's struggle has been dwindling for months. Experts anticipate it could be up to 90 percent less than last year. This grim prospect stokes worries about the war's future. Therefore, it's no surprise NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has issued forceful comments.
We need to brace for bad news regarding the situation in Ukraine.
What kind of assistance will Ukraine receive, and will it be sufficient? Kyiv is seeking fresh rounds of support and aid, without which it won't hold out against the aggressor. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approached the U.S., speaking with key politicians in Europe.
There are compelling reasons to better arm Ukrainians and assist them in securing victory. The American think tank, Institute for the Study of War, submitted a new analysis on conflict dynamics, highlighting that the U.S. can greatly influence the war, and it's in their interest to ensure Russia's defeat.
It is the most desirable outcome politically, militarily, and economically. Particularly since Russia has acclimatized to the new circumstances and has devised a strategy to subjugate Kyiv. Their three-day operation didn't succeed, but Vladimir Putin remains resolved to secure a victory. "Bild" journalists have found a source revealing the occupiers' new targets - a shift from taking over Kyiv to focusing on cities in Eastern Ukraine.
Their goal is to separate key cities from Kyiv: Zaporozhye, Dnipro, and Kharkiv. By 2026, Russia intends to bring the conflict to a close, rebuild its military, and expand westwards. Currently, they're as vulnerable as they've been for a long time. They've incurred large losses, with 90 percent of the forces initially mobilized against Ukraine two years ago wiped out, and the economy is feeling the strain.
