Russia opened a new front in the Kharkov region — this could become one of the most difficult moments of this war for Ukraine if the Ukrainian Armed Forces decide to hold their positions at any cost and lose many soldiers.
The New York Times writes about this, citing military experts. They believe that the current operation of the Russians — This is a cunning strategy designed to stretch Ukrainian forces.
In addition to the attack on the Kharkov region, Western publications wrote this week about Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and potential types of assistance to Ukraine from partners.
Now watching
The Ukrainian theme does not leave the pages, and in some places has returned to the main pages of publications. However, the reason is not very positive — strengthening of the enemy offensive.
Offensive in the Kharkov region
The situation in Ukraine has again returned to the main place of the CNN website due to a new offensive of the invaders in the Kharkov region. Journalist Tim Lister analyzed the events of recent days in the Kharkov region and talked with analysts.
He believes the Russian border attack exposes Ukraine's weaknesses. In particular, we are talking about a lack of artillery, air defense and personnel, as well as the lack of a sufficient number of prepared defensive positions and a pause in Western assistance to Kyiv.
Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Experts believe that the goal of the Russians is to increase the front line and stretch the Ukrainian defense forces along it. It is believed that such attacks are possible in the Sumy region. The Institute for the Study of War says that the Russians were preparing for this, given the delay in the supply of the Armed Forces.
— The Russians' recent achievements are not opportunistic; they prepared for them and are now reaping the benefits. Ukraine may have to make difficult decisions due to the slowness of US action, — says Institute for the Study of War expert George Barros.
The author of the article makes a pessimistic conclusion: everything can end in the so-called trade of territories. In the end, Ukraine may be forced to accept that part of the lost land will not return.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries
At the same time, Foreign Affairs writes about the effectiveness and necessity of Kyiv’s asymmetric responses to the actions of the aggressor in the article Why Ukraine can and should strike Russian oil refineries.
The authors note that US fears that such strikes will increase world oil prices are wrong. After all, the attacks affect how much oil Russia can process into gasoline.
Fire at the refinery in Slavyansk-on-Kuban March 17, 2024< /p>
The fewer such opportunities it has, the more oil it will be forced to export. However, this will not contribute to growth, but, on the contrary, to a decrease in prices on world markets.
— Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries do what the sanctions regime did not do. Without jeopardizing global energy supplies or raising prices, the attacks eat into Russian profits and limit Russia's ability to turn crude oil into fuel for tanks and planes, — says the material.
Blows on oil refineries alone will not force Moscow to capitulate, but they make the war more difficult and costly for Russia. When it comes to negotiations, the Kremlin may be forced to make concessions, the authors of the article say.
Help from allies
Meanwhile, the German Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung explores new trends in the mood of Western politicians.
The publication writes that some members of the German parliament believe that NATO countries can help Ukraine by placing their air defense systems on the eastern borders of the Alliance.
Patriot air defense system. Photo: General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
For example, in Poland and Romania, from where Russian drones will be shot down over the Ukrainian western regions.
The authors of the article note that this approach is close to the position of French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke about the possibility of sending troops to help Kyiv. We are talking about Western forces repelling Russian attacks, but not from Ukrainian territory.
