Amidst renewed Russian attacks that targeted Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday. His presence, marking his fourth trip to Ukraine, serves as a strong signal of continued American support for the embattled nation. Austin, using the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reiterated the US’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, stating that they stand by Ukraine alongside the international community.
However, the visit coincided with heightened tensions as Ukraine faces an uphill battle against Russia’s relentless advance in the eastern front, losing towns and villages in the process. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amidst this intense fighting, has proposed a “victory plan” aimed at ending the nearly three-year war, a plan that has garnered mixed reactions from its allies.
At the heart of Zelenskyy’s plan lies a bold request for Ukraine’s NATO membership and the green light to use Western long-range missiles to strike military targets in Russia. This plan, however, has faced hesitance from Ukraine’s allies, with the US being a key factor in the equation, as it is the country’s biggest military supplier.
While Zelenskyy claims to have received “very positive signals” from the US, a definitive endorsement for his plan remains elusive. Analysts predict that the US is unlikely to make a decision on this crucial issue before the November 5th presidential election.
The recent Russian strikes, targeting Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia, highlight the urgent need for Ukraine to secure more military support, particularly in terms of ammunition. This urgent need for support is fueled by the ongoing war of attrition that both sides are engaged in.
A Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, a southern city, resulted in injuries to 14 individuals and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten and over 30 residential buildings. In a separate incident, a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, injured five people. According to Oleksandr Vilkul, the city administration head, Russia has been conducting ballistic missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih for three consecutive days, resulting in a total of 21 injuries and damage to numerous residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Kyiv’s center witnessed a night of machine gunfire and drone engine noise, resulting in minor damages to civilian infrastructure due to falling drone debris. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched three missiles and over 100 drones at Ukraine overnight from Sunday to Monday.
While the situation on the ground remains volatile, diplomatic efforts continue. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Monday to discuss cooperation between their countries. The meeting focused on strengthening strategic relations, defense cooperation, and addressing global food security through Black Sea grain shipments from Ukraine that pass through Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait.
Turkey, a NATO member, has sought to maintain a balanced stance in its close relations with both Ukraine and Russia. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously offered to host a peace summit between the two countries, but concrete actions remain elusive.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to cast a long shadow over the international landscape, with the need for a peaceful resolution becoming increasingly urgent.