Ukraine Braces for Increased Russian Offensives Amid Pleas for More Western Arms
General Kyrylo Budanow, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), stated that Ukraine expects an increase in Russian offensive operations towards the end of spring and beginning of summer this year. He also urged Western allies to supply more weapons to the Ukrainian army.
According to Budanow, the Russian offensive could target key sites in the Donetsk area. "Russia will push closer to Chasiv Yar. They will advance towards the city of Pokrovsk," mentioned the HUR chief in an interview with German broadcaster ARD.
Recently, Russian forces have been active near Chasiv Yar, roughly 69 km northwest of Donetsk and about 10 km west of the controlled Bakhmut.
The Ukrainian military believes that capturing the city is critical for Russia to move west towards Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk. "We expect the Russian offence to resume by the end of spring and start of summer," Budanow expressed, appealing to Western allies for an increased supply of weapons to the Ukrainian forces.
On Sunday, in a video conference with ambassadors from countries part of the United24 platform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that without American support, currently stalled in Congress due to Republican opposition, Ukraine risks losing the conflict against Russia.
"If Congress doesn't aid Ukraine, we will lose this war," the president declared. "Without Congress's backing, victory, or even our national survival, becomes challenging," he added. Zelensky also cautioned that Ukraine's defeat would lead to further aggressions towards other nations.
For months, the White House has advocated for a bill to support Kyiv, but Republican interest in aiding Ukraine has waned, partly because of former President Donald Trump. Recently, there's been a push within this group to convert financial aid into loans. The Republican Speaker of the House has remained reluctant to bring the military aid package for Ukraine, which has already been approved by the Senate, to a vote.
Source: kyivindependent.com
