Ukraine Faces Toughest Winter Since Invasion, Warns NATO Chief
Brussels, October 8, 2024 — Ukraine is bracing for its most challenging winter since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Tuesday. Speaking at a joint press conference in Brussels alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Rutte emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine as it endures escalating military assaults.
The announcement comes on the heels of a significant missile strike by Russian forces on Kyiv, where at least two hypersonic Kinzhal missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses. The attacks followed a Ukrainian strike that ignited a fire at Moscow’s largest oil depot located in occupied Crimea.
The Kinzhal missile, which can be nuclear-capable, poses a significant threat due to its advanced capabilities, marking a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that while some missiles were successfully intercepted, one Kinzhal struck an airfield approximately 170 miles west of Kyiv in Starokostyantyniv.
In the eastern region of Donbas, Russian troops have reportedly advanced to the outskirts of the frontline city of Toretsk, further intensifying the military situation as winter approaches.
Amid these developments, U.S. Presidential candidate Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any future peace negotiations. “Ukraine must have a say in the future,” Harris stated during a CBS News interview on 60 Minutes, underlining the need for a resolution that includes the voices of those directly affected by the conflict.
As the humanitarian and military crises deepen, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many advocating for sustained support to Ukraine as it navigates through this perilous period.