One year after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion on Ukraine, a settlement seems to be nowhere in sight as both sides are preparing for a potentially even more disastrous phase of the war.
of bold charges and bombardments, humiliating retreats and grinding sieges. Ukraine has countered with fierce resistance, surprising counteroffensives and unexpected hit-and-run strikes.that has killed tens of thousands and reduced cities to ruins, both sides are preparing for a potentially even more disastrous phase that lies ahead.
Experts warn that Europe’s largest conflict since World War II could drag on for years, and some fear it could lead to a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.In recent months, Russian forces have tried to encircle the Ukrainian stronghold of Bakhmut and push deeper into the Donetsk region. Along with fulfilling its goal of capturing the entire Donbas, Moscow aims to wear down Ukrainian forces and prevent them from starting offensives elsewhere.
But even though Ukraine and its allies expect a wider Russian offensive beyond the Donbas, it could be a gamble for Moscow, which mobilized 300,000 reservists last fall to bolster its forces. “The big question is how much damage does the Russian offensive do before it runs out of steam, because that will dictate the Ukrainian position,” he said, noting that its aim could be to disrupt Kyiv’s ability to stage a counteroffensive.
“If Ukraine reaches the Sea of Azov coast, it will nullify all the Russian gains,” Zhdanov said, turning Putin’s victories “to dust.”Observers see little prospect for talks. Both sides are “irreconcilable on their current positions,” said Bronk. “The Russians are digging in for the long haul. They have no intention of losing,” she said. “Putin has made it very clear that he’s prepared to sacrifice whatever it takes. His message there is basically saying you can’t possibly counteract me, because I’m willing to do whatever and I’ve got so much more manpower.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watch Live: Biden speaks in Poland to mark one year of Russia's war in UkraineSPECIAL REPORT: President Biden is speaking in Poland ahead of the one-year mark of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »
Russia, One Year After the Invasion of UkraineThis week marks the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. keithgessen reflects on the days leading up to the outbreak of war and speaks with Russians—some of whom stayed and some of whom fled—about what has changed in the year since:
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine conflict: One year onOne year on, thousands of civilians are dead, many cities are in ruins and millions are forced to seek refuge elsewhere as military conflict between Russia and Ukraine draws out with no end in sight
Read more »
Ukraine live briefing: U.N. to vote on resolution calling for Russia to leave UkraineUkraine's foreign minister called on all members to vote for a U.N. peace resolution to end the war ahead of the Russian invasion’s first anniversary, as Biden promised to defend 'literally every inch of NATO.' Here are today's live updates on the war.
Read more »
History As It Happens: One Year of War w/ Anatol LievenThis is the second episode in a two-part series marking the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. The war in Eastern Europe will determine whether Ukraine can maintain its sovereign independence achieved in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia’s war is a direct war against Ukraine, and an indirect conflict with the U.S., NATO, and “the West.” Indeed, over the past year, it has become increasingly difficult to separate Ukraine’s interests from those of the U.S., as both rhetoric about maintaining the liberal world order and material assistance for Ukraine’s defense have flowed from Washington. Barack Obama, in an interview with The Atlantic near the end of his presidency, envisioned a different set of priorities for U.S. foreign policy. Ukraine was a core Russian interest, not an American one, he cautioned. Two years prior, Mr. Obama dismissed Russia as a “regional power” as it annexed Crimea. Fast forward to February, 2022. Days before Russia's invasion began, President Joseph R. Biden announced the U.S. would stand by Ukraine but not only for Ukraine’s sake. Democracy itself was at stake. In this episode, Anatol Lieven of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft discusses what to expect as the war enters its second year and the dangers inherent in the potential escalation of conflict.
Read more »