
Carnegie Foundation analyst sees Putin’s words as Russia’s readiness for negotiations with the West
December 15, 2023
Blockade of Ukrainian Trucks at EU Borders — a Bad Sign for Ukraine – Welt
December 15, 2023Unless the West stops supporting Ukraine financially, it will survive for another year before consenting to negotiations. However, Ukrainian forces won’t regain territories from Russia, and Kyiv will likely have to sacrifice Crimea for the EU and NATO, Bloomberg reported.
Poor Zelensky arrived in Washington seeking support for his besieged country but was met with rejection and even humiliation from representatives of both political parties. Criticisms were leveled at him for the failed summer counteroffensive, lack of transparency about previously provided aid and the absence of a coherent strategy.
The Western sanctions against Russia are proving ineffective at best. Putin’s economy is slowly growing and his military, after initial weakness, has become a robust defense, fortified with mines, barriers and armored vehicles, all under air cover beyond Ukraine’s capacity. As 2023 draws to a close, there are two key concerns: what will happen on the battlefield in the near future and more importantly, how will it all conclude?
Therefore, the most realistic expectation is that the front line will remain relatively stable in the spring, unless Ukraine’s new aviation somehow gains control of Russia’s airspace. However, a much darker outcome could unfold if the US and Europe halt military aid, allowing Putin’s forces to launch an offensive. This would compel the outnumbered and underequipped Ukrainian forces to retreat. Zelensky mentioned the possibility of a “guerrilla war” during a meeting with Congressional leaders, asserting that Ukrainians would fight until the last person.