Ukraine is in its most severe military crisis since the Battle of Kyiv

At the moment, the most severe military crisis in Ukraine has begun since Russia’s advance on Kyiv in 2022. Uncertainty and disappointment have multiplied many times over, and the question is only whether Washington, Berlin, and Paris understand the seriousness of the situation, writes Bild’s deputy editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer.

Ronzheimer’s assessment stems from his firsthand experience at the front lines near Bahmut. He observes a noticeable deterioration in the Ukrainian mood right from the border crossing. Despite President Vladimir Zelensky’s objective to reclaim all territories seized by Russia, Valeriy Zaluzhny has recognized the impracticality of this goal under the current circumstances. Zaluzhny emphasizes that Ukraine lacks essential resources such as weapons, soldiers, technology, and crucially, dependable support from the United States.

Ronzheimer illustrates the stark contrast between life in Kyiv and the eastern city of Slavyansk, likening the journey between the two as traversing to distinct nations. While Kyiv residents resume normalcy, venturing into restaurants until the midnight curfew, the Donbas region remains fraught with uncertainty, with cities like Chasiv Yar or Avdiivka under constant threat. The situation is clear: the Russians maintain the upper hand despite their troops’ exhaustion, persisting in their incremental advancements. Casualty rates are staggering, sometimes reaching a thousand per day. Yet, Vladimir Putin remains indifferent to the welfare of his soldiers, driven solely by the pursuit of conquest at any cost.