Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, is approaching a critical point. During this time, Ukrainians have witnessed not only numerous military operations, but also enormous human losses, destruction, and changes in the lives of civilians. However, today, as The Washington Post notes, the situation on the front has reached a decisive stage. The next few weeks could be decisive for the future of Ukraine — whether the country will be able to maintain its sovereignty or become a victim of aggression.
The article notes that Russia already controls about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and is advancing further west every day, especially in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhovo areas. Ukrainian soldiers, who occupied the Kursk region in August, have lost about 40 percent of the territory captured during the surprise offensive and risk being surrounded.
“Ukraine is also losing troops at a rate far in excess of what it can sustain and continue fighting. The official estimate of casualties at 400,000 killed and wounded is considered a gross underestimation,” WP writes, adding that in addition, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are deserting from the front lines.
However, time is the most important commodity that Ukraine is losing, WP writes.
“Ukraine is unlikely to survive another year of this devastating war. But rushing to find a negotiated solution could lead to a poor settlement that rewards Putin for land grabs and ensures that he will launch a new offensive for new territory as soon as he has the opportunity to rebuild his depleted arsenal,” the publication writes.
At the same time, trust in the United States and NATO is at stake in this war, and in the event of a poor resolution, “the anger of Ukrainians will be directed at the Western supporters who betrayed them,” the publication notes.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that despite Donald Trump's promise to end the war in Ukraine in one day, there would be no "quick and easy" solution. He also warned the West against seeking "compromise" due to "fatigue" from the conflict. In his assessment, this would undermine the West's authority.
At the same time, Macron emphasized that Ukrainians will have to "conduct realistic discussions on territorial issues.".
In turn, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned that Europe could soon face strong pressure to approve an agreement with Russia. According to him, it is important not to agree to an agreement that would allow Moscow to recover.
