Some European officials fear that the situation in Ukraine may worsen this winter – WSJ

Some European officials are concerned that Ukraine’s position on the battlefield may deteriorate this winter.

This information is reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The American publication discusses Russia’s superiority in manpower and equipment, problems with Western assistance to Ukraine, but suggests that next year the Russian army is “more likely to achieve small successes than to make a breakthrough.”

Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, Michael Kofman, mentions that currently Russia isn’t winning the war, but “if the right choices aren’t made next year regarding the Ukrainian approach and Western resources, then Ukraine’s prospects for success will look bleak.”

The military stalemate reinforces Germany’s belief that a ceasefire and negotiations with Russia would be in Ukraine’s interest. However, Berlin does not want to pressure Zelensky. Moreover, in the West, there aren’t reasons to believe that Putin would agree to a ceasefire now. And even if he does, he’s likely to break it soon to regroup.

Ukraine is unlikely to conduct another major offensive “for some time” due to a shortage of ammunition but could organize an effective defense. This viewpoint is echoed by both Western experts and Ukrainian officers.

“Next year could be used constructively for rebuilding the Ukrainian army,” said Kofman.

He suggests using it for mobilization and troop training, abandoning offensive strategies, and fortifying defensive positions.

“If this doesn’t happen, then next year could be a turning point, after which Ukraine will increasingly find itself in an unfavorable position,” he added.