NewsUkraine Warns of Impending Russian Offensive as US Aid Stalls

Ukraine Warns of Impending Russian Offensive as US Aid Stalls

Russia's offensive is inevitable. A date has been set.
Russia's offensive is inevitable. A date has been set.
Images source: © East News

6:32 AM EDT, April 8, 2024

According to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), General Kyrylo Budanow, Ukraine expects an escalation of Russian offensive operations in the latter part of spring and the onset of summer this year. He has also urged Western allies to supply a more substantial amount of weapons to the Ukrainian army.

Budanow has indicated that the Russian offensive might target strategic objectives in the Donetsk region. "Russia will advance closer to Chasiv Yar. Their movement towards Pokrovsk is anticipated," the HUR chief explained in an interview with German television network ARD.

Of late, Russian forces have intensified their presence near Chasiv Yar, situated approximately 43 miles northwest of Donetsk and around 6 miles west of the Russian-occupied Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian military believes that Russia views the city's takeover as a critical step in its broader strategy to push westward towards Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk. "We're expecting the resurgence of the Russian offensive late this spring and into early summer," Budanow stated, reiterating the call for Western allies to provide more substantial military support to Ukraine.

Zelensky warns: Without US support, we face defeat

In a video conference with ambassadors from countries part of the United24 platform on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that without American aid—currently stalled in Congress due to Republican opposition—Ukraine could lose the conflict with Russia.
"If Congress doesn't act in favor of Ukraine, we will lose the war," the president asserted. "Without Congressional support, our victory, even our survival as a nation, is at risk," he continued. Zelensky also cautioned that Ukraine's defeat could prompt aggression against other nations.

Efforts by the White House to pass legislation aiding Kyiv have been ongoing for months, but Republican support for Ukraine is dwindling. Influenced by former President Donald Trump, some propose converting financial aid into loans. The House Speaker, a Republican, has yet to schedule a vote on the military aid package for Ukraine, which the Senate has already approved.

Source: kyivindependent.com
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