Russia may intensify attacks in winter and attempt a new offensive — NYT

Russia may intensify combat operations against Ukraine in winter and try to launch a new offensive, taking advantage of shortages in Ukrainian air defense systems. This is reported by The New York Times.

Sources for the publication believe the Kremlin may increase the intensity of missile and drone attacks during the winter. “Putin may take advantage of shortages in air defense systems to increase the intensity of missile and drone attacks during the winter,” they say.

Western officials also do not rule out a limited mobilization in Russia to replenish the army. In their view, such a decision could be made after parliamentary elections in the the Russian Federation, scheduled for September.

Analysts fear a further expansion of the war. They suggest that Putin may try to test NATO‘s readiness to withstand pressure by moving beyond the current hybrid attacks in Europe.

At the same time, the NYT notes that there are currently no signs of the Kremlin’s readiness for serious negotiations to end the war. Putin continues to insist on establishing full control over the Donbas.

Western experts believe that Moscow‘s position could change if Russia does not achieve this goal by the autumn of 2027. In that case, in their view, the likelihood of negotiations could increase.

Against this backdrop, France, Germany and the United Kingdom are coordinating a joint position on possible negotiations. European countries seek to prevent agreements between Washington and Moscow from being concluded without the participation of Ukraine and the states of Europe.

“Future negotiations will most likely take place with a leading role for the USA, but the question of ending the war should not be decided solely in Washington,” European officials acknowledged.

Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations.

Earlier we wrote:

• The “hot phase” of the war in Ukraine will continue until November 3 — sources in Ukrainian authorities.
• “Russia will attack Europe!” – Head of German intelligence
• Is Russia going all in? Syrsky on a record offensive and the resistance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
• Will the war in Ukraine end in 2023: forecasts and conditions