The Ukrainian civil and military hierarchy has expressed its concern over the possible escalation of offensive actions by Russia in the northeast and south of the country, while pressure continues in the east. According to Ukrainian military analyst Mijailo Samus, Russia is trying to make advances on the battlefield before the elected U.S. president, Donald Trump, takes office in January. There are fears that Russia seeks to occupy strategic territories at any cost, regardless of human loss.
Recently, there have been warnings of an imminent danger in Zaporizhia and Kupiansk, two regions in the east and southeast of Ukraine. Russia has deployed assault units in the Zaporizhia region and movements to expand offensive actions in Kupiansk have been observed, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian Army has denied unofficial reports claiming the presence of enemy troops in Kupiansk.
Meanwhile, in a last-ditch effort to receive military and economic support, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andriy Sibiga, met in Brussels with representatives of the European Union and NATO defense ministers. The aim is to improve Ukraine's position on the battlefield and ensure it can hold out in case international aid is compromised.
Analyst Mijailo Samus emphasizes the importance of the aid that the United States can provide to Ukraine, mentioning a $6 billion allocation approved by Congress. This aid is expected to strengthen Ukrainian defense capabilities. President Biden's decision on support for Ukraine will be crucial and could define his presidential legacy.
Amid the tensions, Russian forces continue to concentrate their efforts on the axes of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, launching numerous daily attacks. On the front in the Russian region of Kursk, Kiev's troops face the resistance of Russian soldiers trying to drive them out of the partially occupied area. In this context, both Ukraine and its allies remain vigilant to Russia's movements and seek to reinforce their position to deal with possible offensive actions.
