Ukraine defends itself from waves of Russian attacks. But without new help, her back is against the wall. Poland’s government sees Europe as having arrived in the “pre-war period”. The news at a glance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expecting an offensive by the Russian army in early summer and is therefore once again asking the USA and other Western allies for urgent military help. “We need help now,” he said in an interview with US broadcaster CBS. The Ukrainian military withstood the pressure of the attackers this winter, but after more than two years of defensive war, it had reached the end of its capabilities.
He suspects that Russia will launch a new offensive at the end of May or June. And before that, it is important to prepare in good time. Ukraine most urgently needs American Patriot anti-aircraft systems and additional artillery.
Zelensky warned of possible expansion plans by Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It’s currently our turn. Then come Kazakhstan, the Baltic states, Poland and Germany,” he warned. Putin’s missiles could reach any country at any time. “This aggression and Putin’s army can reach Europe, and then US citizens and US soldiers have to defend Europe because they are NATO members.”
He complained about the lack of further American aid worth billions, which has been blocked by Republicans in the US House of Representatives for months. “Let’s be honest: 80 or at least 75 percent of the money allocated by Congress and the US government stays in the US.” Although Ukraine receives the weapons and ammunition, the money spent on them remains in the USA. “Yes, it is tremendous support and we need it,” the Ukrainian president emphasized.
A US military aid package worth $60 billion has been pending for months. The Senate, controlled by Democrats, has already approved the package, but Republicans in the House of Representatives have been blocking the vote required for it for weeks.
New head of the Ukrainian foreign intelligence service
The Ukrainian foreign secret service has now been given new management. Zelensky appointed General Oleh Ivashchenko as the new head of foreign intelligence. His predecessor Olexandr Litvinenko became the new secretary of the National Security Council of Ukraine. “We need more information, more opportunities to influence,” Zelenskyj said in his daily video address.
Russia spends “billions and billions” of dollars every year on operations in countries of interest to the country. “This influence works against our state and our defense in many ways,” Zelensky said. Since Ukraine cannot compete financially alone, Russia should be trumped “with courage, determination and ideas.” Above all, the Ukrainian foreign intelligence service should “become much more active.”
New Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine
Russian troops have increased pressure on the defenders of eastern Ukraine. The areas around Avdiivka and Bakhmut were the focus of heavy fighting, as the general staff in Kiev announced in its daily situation report. A total of eleven advances by Russian soldiers against four towns were reported there. A total of 48 battles broke out along the entire front lines from the south to the eastern parts of Ukraine. There were Russian air and artillery attacks near Kharkiv. The information could not be independently verified.
“Pre-war”: Poland’s head of government sees a new era
For Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Europe is already on the way to a new war. “I know it sounds devastating, especially for the younger generation, but we have to get used to the fact that a new era has begun: the pre-war period. I’m not exaggerating; it’s becoming clearer every day,” Tusk said in an interview with the ” World”. “I don’t want to scare anyone, but war is no longer a concept from the past,” Tusk added. “It’s real, and it started over two years ago.” A situation like this has not existed since 1945.
During his first time as Polish Prime Minister (2007-2014), no one except the Baltic states listened to his warnings. “When I said that Russia was a problem for Europe, not a partner, people shrugged their shoulders: of course, a Pole, a Russophobe.” Now he is observing the changes in all European capitals “without satisfaction.”
