### 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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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.
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.
President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expresses his hope for the Russia-Ukraine war to end before the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil and invites President Putin and Xi Jinping to attend.
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 indicated that he is preparing for a prolonged war in Ukraine, stating that Kyiv could potentially use any ceasefire to rearm and that the US will continue to view Russia as an enemy regardless of the outcome of the 2024 US election.
Former President Donald Trump expressed appreciation for recent praise from Russian leader Vladimir Putin and asserted that he could resolve the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if re-elected, while providing few details on his plan.
Former President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin's support for his plan to end the war in Ukraine, causing concern among Ukrainian leaders who fear it would involve giving Ukrainian land to Russia.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine believes that if the war of aggression against Ukraine continues, the Russian economy will only hold out until 2025 and their arms supply will dry up in 2026 or earlier.
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.
Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for a united front against Russian aggression in his speech at the UN General Assembly and asks former President Trump to share his peace plans, claiming that Trump could get a "fair deal" with Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
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.
The Pentagon has announced that US aid to Ukraine will continue even if the government shuts down, as its budget for weapons and humanitarian aid has been ringfenced as part of a contingency plan to keep essential parts of Joe Biden's administration afloat.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly given his Defense Minister until October to halt the Ukrainian counteroffensive and regain the initiative, according to an insider source cited by the Institute for the Study of War.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to delay further mobilizations in the war with Ukraine until after Russia's presidential election in March, potentially weakening Russia's offensives against Ukraine, according to British intelligence assessments.
