NATO-UKRAINE Council: Crisis discussion about Russian attacks in Kyiv

NATO-UKRAINE Council: Crisis discussion about Russian attacks in Kyiv

Kiev/Brussels (dpa)-The yesterday's session of the NATO-UKRAINE Council was of great importance in view of the tightened waves of attack on Ukraine. At the pressure of the Ukrainian government, NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg appointed this meeting to discuss the current situation on the front and the military needs of Ukraine. This exchange is crucial, since Ukraine has been facing massive attacks several times since the beginning of the conflict.

intensive attacks and losses

In the last nights, Russia reacted to Ukraine with severe air strikes. According to official Ukrainian information, at least four people were killed, including two in Krywyj Rih, where a rocket attack met a hotel, and two more through drone attacks in Saporischschja. On Wednesday night, the Ukrainian authorities warned of air raids in many regions, especially in the east of the country and on the Black Sea Peninsula Crimea annexed by Russia. These aggressive military actions prompted the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj to make it clear that Ukraine would not stand still. His clear statement on X: "We will undoubtedly answer Russia to these and all other attacks."

Russia in turn reports on own military successes: Local media reported on several fires after explosions in the oil bearings in the Russian area of ​​Rostow. The governor found that his region had intercept four enemy drones, which made the situation exciting and unclear. The exact effects of these attacks are currently unknown and cannot be checked independently.

fight in the Donbass and strategic situation

in Eastern Ukraine, especially in Donbass, the Russian armed forces continue their assault attacks and fight for land like at Torezk, where violent battles around the NJU Jork (New York) settlement take place. The general staff in Kiev reports on numerous attacks that have been warded off, but the situation remains tense. President Selenskyj describes the military conditions as challenging: "They are 100,000, we are 100,000". He points out that the Russian soldiers have no retreat because they may be punished by their own commanders.

In Tschasiw Jar, the brutal exchange of blows between attackers and defenders is described as a desperate argument. The press spokesman for the Ukrainian brigade used there, Oleh Kalashnikov, explained that the intensity of the attack had decreased somewhat, but the 10 to 20 daily attacks remain a cruel reality. The region is very destroyed and hope for peace seems to be far.

Analysts like the former US general Ben Hodges consider the slow advances of the Russian troops to be threatening because the price that Russia pays is extremely high. He compares the current losses of the Russian army in a historical context and emphasizes that the situation is not comparable to the strategies 80 years ago.

dmitri Medvedev, the ex-President of Russia, recently said that the Russian troops have to protect the areas of Ukraine they annexed. He speaks of the “new regions” of the Federation, including Cherson, Saporischschja, Donetsk and Luhansk. He raises the question of whether these areas may be assigned to new military defense strategies in order to react preventively to possible threats.

to defend annexed areas

Medvedew's comments come at a time when the uncertainty about the future development of these conflicts is greater than ever. The Vice Chairman of the National Security Council indicated that the areas claimed by Russia were strategically important and that past violations of the territory should not be done again. It remains unclear whether characteristics such as buffer zones should be created in order to further differentiate themselves opposite the West. The instability in the region continues to increase, while NATO members expand their protective facilities.

Current military strategies of Ukraine

Ukraine has clearly adapted its military strategies in recent months to counter the diverse challenges by the Russian armed forces. This includes, among other things, the increased integration of modern weapons systems, support from western allies and focus on asymmetrical warfare. The Ukrainian army is increasingly relating to mobile units that enable a quick reaction to enemy attacks.

In addition, Ukraine is working to improve its air defense systems in order to reduce the effectiveness of Russian attacks. The use of drones has increased, both for clarification and to carry out attacks on strategic goals behind the enemy lines.

Humanitarian effects of the conflict

The continuous conflict has serious humanitarian consequences for the civilian population in Ukraine. According to reports from organizations such as the International Committee from the Red Cross , millions of people are affected by hunger, homelessness and unsafe medical care. The infrastructural damage caused by air strikes make it difficult to provide food and other important goods.

The constant threat of air strikes also leads to a massive influx of internal displaced persons. Many people have lost their homeland and live in makeshift accommodations while hoping for an improvement in the security situation.

international reactions to the conflict

The international community reacted to the escalation of the conflict, in particular through diplomatic and economic measures against Russia. A large number of countries have imposed sanctions that are directed against Russian financial and military institutions. These sanctions have a significant impact on the Russian economy, according to the International Monetary Fund (IWF) , which predict a slowdown of growth.

economic challenges through the war

The war has heavily burdened the Ukrainian economy. According to the World Bank , the country's economy will probably have shrunk by over 30 % in 2022. The destruction of the infrastructure, including important industries and agricultural areas, has a negative impact on productivity. These economic challenges are particularly serious because Ukraine plays an important role as a grain chamber of Europe.

The state government is required to develop alternative economic strategies in order to reduce the dependence on Russian markets and to rebuild its own agricultural and industrial sections. International financial aids are considered crucial to maintain economic stability and to advance the rehabilitation of the areas affected by the war.