Ukraine Warns of Defeat Risk, Seeks Urgent Western Aid
The situation on Ukraine's eastern front has significantly worsened in recent days amidst a renewed Russian offensive.
This escalation comes after Vladimir Putin was re-elected for a new term as president of the Russian Federation, noted Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as quoted by Politico.
Syrskyi, who became military commander in February after the former army chief was dismissed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has reiterated appeals for more rapid military aid from Western allies to counter Moscow's superior weaponry. Russia is deploying newly mobilised armoured units that are achieving tactical gains, he said.
The situation around the town of Chasiv Yar, on the eastern front line, is particularly difficult and tense, with the area under constant fire. The town lies 20 kilometres west of Bakhmut, which Moscow seized in May last year in an assault spearheaded by Wagner Group mercenaries.
As Western military aid to Ukraine has slowed, Russia has made territorial gains in the area.
"The enemy is actively attacking our positions in the Lyman and Bakhmut sectors with assault groups supported by armoured vehicles. In the Pokrovsk sector, they are attempting to breach our defences using dozens of tanks and armoured personnel carriers," he said.
Meanwhile, General Sir Richard Barrons, former UK Joint Forces Command commander, has warned Ukraine could be defeated by Russia in 2024, highlighting a serious risk in an interview with the BBC.
"This summer, we expect to see a major Russian offensive with the intention of doing more than achieving small gains, perhaps attempting to break through Ukrainian lines. If this occurs, Russian forces could exploit breakthroughs into areas of Ukraine where Ukrainian armed forces cannot hold them back," General Barrons said.
Kyiv has intensified calls for allies to provide Ukraine with more air defence systems, particularly US-made Patriot systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. On April 13 Germany announced an urgent transfer of a Patriot air defence complex to Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted Berlin is doing everything possible to support Kyiv.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
