### Summary
The pace of Ukraine's counter-offensive has been disappointing, leading to frustrated expectations and increased criticism of President Zelensky. Ukraine is also facing challenges with the delayed arrival of Western equipment and lack of air cover.
### Facts
- The pace of Ukraine's counter-offensive has been slower than expected, leading to frustrated expectations and criticism of President Zelensky.
- Western equipment promised to Ukraine has not arrived in the expected numbers, causing frustration and demotivation.
- Allies' equivocation about the supply of newer weapons and the prospect of Donald Trump's re-election adds to Ukrainian anxieties.
- Ukraine's army lacks resources for frontal attacks and is focusing on degrading the enemy through artillery, drones, and electronic warfare.
- Recent advances have been made in the southern theatre, but Ukraine is still far from its strategic goal of nearing the Azov Sea before late October.
- Rumors of early parliamentary and presidential elections have circulated, with the logic that it would be better for Zelensky to seek re-election while still a national hero.
- Conducting elections during a war would be complex, and the idea of early elections currently lacks popular demand.
- Peace negotiations with Russia are unlikely without a military breakthrough, as there is still a strong desire to regain lost territory.
- The burden of the war falls heavily on Ukraine's young generation, who face conscription and the constant threat of being sent to the front.
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Germany's G20 sherpa, Jorg Kukies, stated that Germany will not sign a joint statement that ignores Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, disagreeing with China's position that the discussion of the Ukraine war does not belong in an economic grouping like the G20.
The conflict in Ukraine is reaching a critical point as calls for negotiations grow, but there are concerns about the effectiveness of negotiations with Russia and the lack of clear war aims from Western allies.
Eastern European countries are concerned about Ukraine being pushed into peace talks with Russia, as they believe international partners should focus on supporting Ukraine to achieve a decisive victory.
Ukraine's military is making "very tangible progress" in its counteroffensive against Russian forces, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited the country to showcase U.S. support.
Ukraine's former defense minister warns that negotiations with Russia won't bring peace as Putin aims to destroy Ukraine and assimilate its citizens into the Russian Federation, emphasizing the need for international support to prevent world war III.
Ukrainian President Zelensky criticizes Russian leadership and rejects the idea of negotiating peace, citing the death of a rebel leader as a warning against dealing with Vladimir Putin.
The G20 leaders have reached a conclusion on the Ukraine war, emphasizing the need for the revival of the Black Sea grain deal and urging all states to refrain from the use or threat of force, stating that the use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, addressed the New Delhi G20 Leadership Declaration, which called for peace in Ukraine, highlighting its significance as a consensus among members amidst tensions and divergent views over the conflict; however, the declaration received criticism for not mentioning Russia and for its language referring to the war 'in Ukraine' instead of 'against Ukraine'.
The Group of 20 adopted a consensus declaration at a summit in New Delhi that called on all states to uphold international law and not use force to grab territory, but did not condemn Russia for the war in Ukraine, prompting mixed reactions from different nations.
The G20 summit declaration refrained from directly condemning Russia for its actions in the Ukraine conflict, leading to Russia expressing its view that the leaders of the G20 acted in the spirit of conflict resolution.
The G20 summit in New Delhi concludes with Russia and the US praising a consensus declaration that avoids directly criticizing Russia for the war in Ukraine, but highlights the human suffering caused by the conflict and calls on all states not to use force to grab territory.
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, believes that the West must continue its support for the country in order to counter Russia's attempts to exhaust Ukraine and wear out its partners' resolve, as a long war would weaken both Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the decision to accept the G20 joint statement on Russia's war in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of territorial integrity and sovereignty, while acknowledging the negative impact of Russia's aggression on food security globally.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed diplomatic victory at the G20 summit in India, stating that they were able to prevent any direct criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that the text of the summit does not mention Russia at all.
Russian Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow did not expect the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration to be adopted and was ready to defend itself and the wording about the Ukraine war, while also crediting the countries of the global south for ensuring that the G20 agenda was not overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict.
The G20 summit's final declaration, which received criticism for not explicitly condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine, was defended by the White House, who praised it for highlighting the importance of a country's sovereignty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests that Ukraine is likely to initiate peace talks only when it runs out of resources and would use any ceasefire to rearm with Western assistance again.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for Ukraine to cancel the ban on negotiations imposed by President Zelensky, emphasizing the need for dialogue and suggesting that talks could be a way for Ukraine to replenish their reserves and reinvigorate their army.
Ukraine's military offensive against Russian forces in the south and east has made limited progress, prompting discussions about whether the US and other Western countries should provide more powerful weapons or seek a negotiated settlement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the United Nations General Assembly and meet with President Biden and members of Congress to emphasize that supporting Ukraine is supporting democracy, stability, and peace, while also addressing concerns about the length and extent of the conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on Donald Trump to provide concrete details and take action on his promise to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stating that simply giving up Ukrainian land is not a peace formula.
Ukraine needs to shift its focus from post-war recovery to preparing for a long war, as a ceasefire or peace talks with Russia are unlikely, and instead should aim to ensure it has the staying power to thrive despite the ongoing conflict, according to The Economist.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the United States and Europe for their approach to developing countries and denied the realism of a recent proposal to revive the Black Sea grain deal, while also expressing skepticism of Ukraine's 10-point peace plan and suggesting that the conflict would be resolved on the battlefield.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that while Russia is open to negotiations regarding Ukraine, it will not consider any proposals for a cease-fire as it believes it has been deceived before, and suggests that the issue will ultimately be resolved on the battlefield; Lavrov also criticizes the West for allegedly disregarding the seriousness of the conflict and accuses them of failing to fulfill obligations and negotiate in good faith.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed Ukrainian proposals for restoring pre-invasion territory as "unrealizable" and indicated readiness for war if Ukraine's allies desire it, aligning with the belief that the conflict will persist for years.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized Ukraine's 10-point peace plan at the UN, stating that the war would have to be resolved "on the battlefield" if more realistic terms were not offered.
As support for Ukraine from its international allies declines, there are concerns that Russia may exploit weaknesses and fractures in Ukraine's partnerships, particularly as elections in allied countries approach, and tensions between Ukraine and Poland heighten over agricultural exports.
Russia's potential mobilization for war against Ukraine is becoming less credible, as persistent rumors and misinformation campaigns from Ukraine continue without any actual mobilization, and Ukraine itself is struggling with manpower shortages and the high costs of sustaining its war effort.
Ukrainian President Zelensky warns that Russia is relying on eroding U.S. support to win its war against Ukraine, as funding for Ukraine becomes a contentious issue among House Republicans.
President Biden reassured world leaders during a call that the United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia, amid concerns over dwindling resources for aid.
Russia expresses its deep concern about the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calls for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful negotiations with international assistance.