Since the beginning of August, Ukraine has launched its biggest counter-attack on Russian territory, on the northern border towards Kursk. The dual aim is to create a ‘buffer zone’ between the front line and civilian infrastructure, but also to draw the invading Russian forces away from the eastern border. Despite this severe blow, the latter continue to advance in the Donbass, and are getting dangerously close to Pokrosk, the strategic epicentre of the region, whose inhabitants have already begun to evacuate.
Ukraine’s allies are delighted by Kiev’s attempted counter-attack, but remain coy as to whether it was concerted or not. It has to be said that time is running out, as Western aid is likely to dwindle in the coming months. The German Finance Minister has announced that he wants to halve the budget allocated to Ukraine, and will be followed in the United States by the Republicans if Trump wins the presidential elections in November. Vladimir Putin is betting on these defections to win in Ukraine, where he is currently encountering furious resistance.
Find all the archives of our weekly editorials here!
