President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has expressed concerns about the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces. He states that Russian forces are throwing “everything they can” at Kyiv’s troops who are fighting to retake land in the south and east of Ukraine. The counteroffensive has been slower than anticipated, and Ukrainian troops have made only small gains since launching the campaign in June. In recent weeks, they have faced staunch Russian defenses and casualties are mounting.
Zelensky emphasizes the importance of continued support from Ukraine’s allies and has been pressing for more sophisticated weapons. He secured new pledges at the recent NATO summit, including long-range missiles from France and more tank ammunition from Germany. However, it remains unclear when these weapons will arrive and how much of a boost they will provide for the counteroffensive.
Despite Zelensky’s efforts, some allies have resisted sending weapons to Ukraine. South Korea, for example, has declined to provide lethal military assistance but has offered humanitarian aid and financial support for mine removal and infrastructure projects. President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea recently visited Ukraine, which was seen as a show of support but did not change Seoul’s stance on weapons.
Casualties are increasing, and Ukrainian forces are running low on ammunition. To address this, President Biden has agreed to send cluster munitions to Ukraine, despite objections from some allies. However, these weapons may not provide immediate assistance. Ukraine’s military is still lacking the necessary resources to defeat Russia, according to Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s top commander.
The conflict continues in Ukraine’s south and east, with Russian forces focused on preventing the further advance of Ukrainian troops. Russian shelling recently killed one man and injured another in the Kharkiv region. There are also reports of Wagner troops, Russian mercenaries, relocating, possibly to Belarus. Satellite images suggest an increase in military activity in Asipovichy, Belarus, which is speculated to be related to the Wagner troops.
Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin of Russia has expressed concerns to President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa about Ukraine’s failure to fulfill commitments set out in a U.N.-brokered agreement on grain exports. Russia has threatened to withdraw from the deal, citing Western sanctions that restrict the sale of its agricultural products.
The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, and the situation remains volatile. The need for support from Ukraine’s allies is crucial, as the Ukrainian military requires additional resources to challenge Russian forces effectively.