- The article discusses the indictment of former US President Donald Trump for plotting to overturn the 2020 election result.
- It highlights how the Republicans have closed ranks around Trump and argues that only politics, not the law, will stop him in 2024.
- The article also covers the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine's counter-offensive not making the desired progress.
- It mentions Russia's desperate measures to recruit soldiers, including forbidding conscripts from leaving and making it harder to hide within the country.
- The article provides insights for investors, including lessons from a year of surprises and discussions on the future of Alphabet and Volkswagen.
### 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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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 has reported advances and strong defense along the front lines of its war with Russia, with Moscow acknowledging tension in the southern sector but dismissing Kyiv's campaign as unsuccessful.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses gratitude to US embassy staff in Kyiv during his visit to Ukraine, acknowledging their courage and the challenges they face in the midst of the war; Ukraine's new defense minister, Rustem Umerov, vows to take back all of Ukrainian land from Russian control and bring home all those in captivity; at least 16 people are killed in a Russian missile attack on a market in the Donetsk region of Ukraine; Blinken arrives in Kyiv for his third visit, discussing the progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive; the UK plans to classify the Russian mercenary group Wagner as a terrorist organization; parts of a Russian drone fall on Romanian territory after targeting a Ukrainian port on the Danube River; the Kremlin accuses the US of intending to keep the war in Ukraine going "until the last Ukrainian"; Rustem Umerov becomes Ukraine's new defense minister; Ukrainian officials believe the second line of Russian defenses in the south may be weaker than the first; Blinken praises the "good progress" of Ukraine's counteroffensive during his visit to Kyiv.
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.
Former U.S. President George W. Bush believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is tough like a Texan and warns that if Russia's President Vladimir Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, the U.S. will have to be involved in supporting neighboring countries like Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that a weakened Vladimir Putin will resort to nuclear threats and winter bombings, but urges Western leaders not to panic and emphasizes Ukraine's determination to prevail in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his forces in occupied southern Ukraine are determined to retain control of Crimea, as it is key to Russia's regional power projection and allows them to dominate the Black Sea region, project force into the Mediterranean, and supply their units in neighboring oblasts.
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.
The European Union condemns the "illegitimate" elections held in Russian-annexed parts of Ukraine, while a UN official says that Russia's aggression in Ukraine is synonymous with torture and inhuman cruelty; meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson claims that no one will be able to compete with Putin if he runs for president in 2024, and the UN Human Rights Commissioner states that Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal is fueling global food insecurity. Ukrainian forces regain control of drilling platforms near the Crimean coast and Putin arrives in Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum, while South Korean media reports that Kim Jong Un is en route to Russia, and Ukraine reports advances in Bakhmut and Donetsk city. Finally, Brazil's President Lula says it's up to the judiciary whether to arrest Putin if he visits the country.
The Biden administration is considering whether to send long-range missiles to Ukraine, but a final decision has not yet been made, and it is unlikely to happen before the U.N. General Assembly; if approved, the missiles would provide Ukraine with the ability to strike deep into Russian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has requested weapons and support from North Korea amid the invasion of Ukraine, but experts doubt it will significantly impact the war, according to Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
America's top military commander warns that Ukraine has limited time to pursue a stagnating military offensive, as tensions with Western allies rise, potentially putting Ukraine and the US at odds.
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.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged Donald Trump not to abandon U.S. support for Ukraine if he becomes president in 2024, warning that a Russian victory would be catastrophic for the West and American leadership.
Ukraine has shelled Russia's Belgorod region, launched airstrikes on occupied Crimea, and destroyed Russian air defense systems in Crimea, resulting in casualties and damage; meanwhile, Russian President Putin has accepted an invitation to visit North Korea and is expecting a visit from Belarusian President Lukashenko.
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.
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.
Finland's President, Sauli Niinisto, warns Europe about the risks of complacency and escalation in Russia's war against Ukraine, emphasizing the potential for nuclear weapons to be used and calling for understanding of the hesitation of leaders in supplying Ukraine with advanced weaponry.
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.
Ukraine's defense intelligence agency head, Lieutenant-General Kyrylo Budanov, asserts that despite the slow progress, Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia is ongoing, and Russia's defensive line in southern Ukraine has been breached in some places, potentially cutting off land connections to Crimea before winter; however, he acknowledges the risk of Ukraine running down its own resources and the uncertainties regarding the continuation of Western support.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Ukrainian defenders to continue moving forward in the slow counteroffensive against Russia, stating that even short distances must be gained to prevent giving Putin a break and liberate territory.
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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin could ignite World War III unless more assistance is provided, comparing Putin to "a second Hitler" and emphasizing the need to stop him from invading other countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes that US financial support to Ukraine is not only about aiding the country in its fight against Russia, but also about preventing Vladimir Putin's further global aggression.
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 Zelenskyy warns that a potential defeat against Russia could lead to World War III and calls for continued US support in an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes."
President Joe Biden urges the world to stand up against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and deterring aggression to secure the independence of all nations.
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but the conflict shows no signs of finishing after almost 19 months.
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.
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.
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is making key decisions about the Ukraine war largely on his own, without input from his generals, and has proven to be more cautious than expected, according to a report by the RAND Corporation.
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.
The Kremlin believes that the decision by the US Congress to pass a funding bill without aid for Ukraine is a temporary setback for Kyiv, but predicts that war fatigue in the West will increase and lead to a growing split in opinion.
European Union foreign ministers gathered in Kyiv to show support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion, while Ukraine's government remains cautiously optimistic about securing further aid from the US.
Russia is planning to increase its defense spending by 30%, suggesting that it is preparing for the war in Ukraine to continue for years and hoping that Western support for Ukraine will decrease.
Support for supplying weapons to Ukraine is declining among Americans of both major political parties, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, posing a warning for Kyiv as it relies heavily on US arms to fight against a Russian invasion.
The Biden administration is working to maintain the flow of U.S. weapons to Ukraine despite the political turmoil in Congress, with President Biden planning to deliver a major speech on the importance of arming Ukraine and exploring alternative means of funding.
President Vladimir Putin claims that Russia's mission is to build a "new world" and blames Western hegemony for their military intervention in Ukraine.
The Kremlin insists that Russia's presidential and parliamentary elections should proceed as scheduled, despite the "special military operation" in Ukraine, according to presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed concern over the escalation of violence and the increase in civilian casualties in Israel and the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of the negotiation process.
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