All articles tagged with #winter offensive
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for Western support in gaining air superiority as Russia prepares for a winter offensive in Ukraine, with freezing temperatures creating favorable terrain for mechanized warfare. Russian troops trained in the Arctic may have an advantage, while the Russian economy is at risk of overheating due to record-high spending on the war, which is expected to have long-term economic consequences.
Russia has reportedly stockpiled 800 missiles in Crimea as part of its preparations for a second winter campaign in Ukraine. Concerns are growing that these missiles may be used to target critical Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, following a similar tactic employed by Russia last winter. The Kremlin's previous strikes on Ukrainian power and water infrastructure resulted in millions being left without electricity and heat. Ukraine is bracing for an aerial onslaught and is seeking to maintain its air-defense systems while also cutting off Russian forces' supply chains. President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of likely Russian attacks on critical infrastructure this winter.
The British Ministry of Defense has stated that Russia's winter offensive in Ukraine has "failed," with Russian troops suffering tens of thousands of casualties in attacks in the eastern Donbas region. Putin's generals are under increasing pressure to achieve a win, but the Ukrainian military is believed to be marshaling forces for an upcoming counter-offensive. The Russian assault on the symbolically important city of Bakhmut has been conducted by both regular Russian forces and troops from the Wagner mercenary group. The Institute for the Study of War has said that Russian industry is being "hopelessly outmatched" by western support for Ukraine.