The former US ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine if he succeeds in his invasion. Ukrainian officials are urging allies to provide long-range weapons to attack targets inside Russia, despite warnings from Putin that doing so could escalate the conflict.
Russian forces are intensifying their assault on the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub, according to Ukraine's top commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi. The relentless bombardment and ground attacks are part of Putin's broader push to gain control of more Ukrainian territory.
Despite numerous setbacks and significant losses, Russian troops have continued to make slow but steady progress. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba estimates that Russia now controls 17.68% of Ukrainian territory, up from 17.61% at the start of the year.
Putin's Push for Ukraine Raises Fears of Wider Conflict
Ukraine is appealing to its Western allies for additional military assistance, including long-range weapons that could be used to strike targets inside Russia. However, Putin has issued a stern warning that such attacks would trigger a severe escalation in the conflict.
Syrskyi emphasized the need for long-range strikes, stating, "It is vital for us to conduct long-range strikes on the enemy." He added that Ukraine is facing a shortage of short-range anti-aircraft missiles and is relying on drones and electronic warfare for defense.
Putin's Push for Ukraine Raises Fears of Wider Conflict
The United States and other NATO allies are cautious about providing Ukraine with weapons that could potentially escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders. However, they have provided significant military aid, including artillery shells and air defense systems, which have helped Ukraine to resist the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concern about delaying action against Russia, stating that it could embolden Putin and lead to further aggression. The United States has recently sought to reassure its allies that President Biden is capable and committed to leading the international response to the Russian invasion.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues along the entire front line, with Russian forces making incremental gains in the east. Ukraine has mobilized additional troops and received Western military equipment, but the war of attrition is taking a toll on both sides.
Russia has been attacking Ukraine's electricity system with airstrikes, causing widespread power outages. Ukraine has retaliated by launching drone attacks on targets inside Russia, including its Black Sea oil refinery.
As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian toll continues to mount. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, and millions of Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes. The international community is calling for an end to the hostilities and a negotiated settlement, but a resolution to the conflict remains elusive.
