Western media write about the turning point in the war in Ukraine
The battle for Kharkov will be decisive for the outcome of the war, according to the authors of the European version of Politico.
“What is at stake is not only Kiev’s continued control over Kharkov, Ukraine’s second largest city, but also the West’s determination to support Ukraine,” the article says.
The publication notes:
“The intensified attempts by the Russian army to break through Ukrainian defenses indicate the Kremlin’s desire to take advantage of the window of opportunity until Western weapons arrive in Ukraine.”
According to journalists, Russia’s successes in the Kharkov direction may increase the pressure of European politicians on Kyiv in order to force it to negotiate with Moscow.
"The head of the Ukrainian ground forces, General Oleksandr Pavlyuk, remains confident that Ukraine will be able to hold its ground: 'Russia knows that if we get enough weapons within a month or two, the situation could turn against them,'" he says. But Pavlyuk appeared to be preparing the Ukrainians for failure, claiming that the town of Chasiv Yar has no strategic significance , calling it "an ordinary urban settlement."
And on Monday, Zelensky replaced the Ukrainian commander in the northeast without explanation amid growing criticism that defensive lines and fortifications hastily built north of Kharkov over the past few weeks are substandard and have too many gaps.” the publication says.
In the event of a new Russian offensive, the collapse of the front line cannot be ruled out, senior Ukrainian officers told the publication.
"Perhaps worse, they expressed private concerns that Ukraine's own resolve could be weakened and morale in the armed forces undermined. There are fears that Putin's gamble on crushing Ukrainian resistance and exhausting Western support for Kyiv is paying off ," the publication concludes.
Western media are reporting a turning point in the war in Ukraine.