In the last six months alone, Ukraine has taken about 2,200 Russian POWs in a counter-offensive in the east. This decision comes at a critical time during Russia’s renewed offensive. They are escalating their campaigns to take the eastern city of Pokrovsk. The deepening war — now just weeks away from its fourth anniversary — leaves few indicators that it is expected to end anytime soon. Both countries are increasingly involved in military activities that endanger regional stability.
The latter is a dangerous misconception Oil exports are a vital source of revenue for Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that these assaults have increased it by 20%. These are designed to hit the financial bedrock of Russia’s military efforts. Meanwhile, China and India remain the largest customers for Russian oil. Zelenskyy noted that India “has definitely given all the signals that it will reduce imports of energy resources.”
Under pressure from a new wave of aerial attacks, Ukraine is intensifying its air defense strategy. By next month it aims to increase production to 500-800 interceptors a day to defend against Russia’s Shahed drone strikes. Well-trained operators are a must if these costly interceptors are to be used effectively. In turn, Ukraine is looking for more foreign financial support to ramp up its own interceptor production capacity.
Ukraine has already secured about 70% of the $2 billion needed to fund gas imports for the upcoming winter heating season. This is no small thing—these imports are vital. Russia is increasing its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure to try to sap the country’s resolve in the cold winter months.
The Ukrainian military has shown incredible talents for carrying out long-range strikes deep into Russian territory. Informed estimates suggest more than 90 percent of such operations have been carried out with Ukrainian-made long-range ordinance. This increasingly strategic military advantage augments Ukraine’s military ascendancy and capabilities as it showcases Ukraine’s adaptability and sustained efforts to thwart expected Russian progress.
In an effort to enhance its air defense and combat aviation potential, Zelenskyy has requested a fleet of 250 new aircraft. Ukraine is already in active negotiations with Sweden, France and the United States. These conversations center around optimizing its next generation of future combat aviation remotely piloted capabilities.
Zelenskyy underscored the need for long term focus in these areas. He said, “We just have to focus on this day in and day out.
Ukraine is standing tall under pressure as always and unexpectedly in its pursuit for long-range defense. Simultaneously, the country strongly encourages military assistance from abroad to defend its independence and improve its martial efficiency.
