Ukraine ready for next war phase after considerable Russian losses, says ex‑NATO commander
2:47 AM EST, January 10, 2024
On Tuesday, Phillip Breedlove discussed the current situation in Ukraine during a presentation at the Atlantic Council. The American general addressed, among others, the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
- I don't consider "defeat" as the appropriate term. The counteroffensive is conclusively over, and the ground element has decelerated. However, this does not imply that the pace of war has slowed down, especially near Avdiivka and other locations. The Russians have suffered a significant loss of troops - Breedlove highlighted.
Ukraine is prepared for the next phase
He emphasized that in 2023, the Ukrainian military made some headway despite not achieving substantial territorial gains. The general listed successes, such as crossing the Dnieper to its left bank in the Kherson region and operations in the Black Sea, have presented numerous challenges for the Russian Federation's Black Sea Fleet.
- The notable progress and significant costs for Russia indicate this is not a failed counteroffensive. I am confident that Ukraine is ready for the next phase of military operations - the expert emphasized.
The general pointed out that it is now critical for the United States to devise a plan for continuing assistance "so that Ukraine can carry out what it should within its borders."
Bloomberg: Ukraine's secret meeting with allies
On Tuesday, Bloomberg agency reported, citing people well-acquainted with the matter, that a confidential meeting took place between Ukraine, G7 allies, and a select group of countries from the Global South in Riyadh in December. The objective was to garner support for Ukraine's terms for initiating peace talks with Russia.
Advisories' security discussions transpired on December 16 in Saudi Arabia and followed various broader meetings to thwart Russia's efforts to estrange Ukraine and its allies.
The meeting was kept confidential this time, allowing individual countries to participate freely. The more exclusive format also enabled a more candid exchange of ideas regarding Ukraine's peace concept and the principles of potential Russian involvement in the talks.
