The war in Ukraine has been raging for six months now. The shock of the first few days that another major war is taking place in Europe has passed. It has given way to sympathy and commitment to the country in large parts of western democracies. In addition to many mistakes that Putin made with regard to Ukraine, he was also wrong in the West
According to a recent report, the Kremlin is hoping for a hard winter. The energy shortage will cause support for Ukraine to crumble. There will be riots and protests that will put Western governments under pressure. If you look at the surveys in Germany, there is little reason for this hope. A large majority support continued support for Ukraine, even if it hurts their own wallets.
Given the tens of thousands of deaths in Ukraine, the local financial problems are of course small; nonetheless, one should not downplay the burdens that war brings to many citizens. But it is also true that Germany’s Russia policy in recent years has played a decisive role in the current problems.
But Ukraine will also have to show that it can defeat Russia in the foreseeable future. Because, it is also clear, the West will not be able or willing to provide support for several years. Kyiv knows that too. US expert Michael Kofman therefore believes that Kyiv will soon begin its major offensive in the south of the country. He sees a sophisticated plan behind the events of the past few weeks, the blows against Russian positions behind the front. If the offensive succeeds, it would be a decisive blow to thwart Putin’s plans for Ukraine – and for the morale of Russian troops.
1. The turning points of the war: Putin’s failure in Ukraine and how it came about
2. Ukrainian Independence Day: The celebration of a new self-image
3. After six months of war: how much support does President Zelensky have in Ukraine?
4. The most important events since the turning point: What happened in Berlin since the beginning of the war in Ukraine
