As leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization convene in Washington to celebrate the alliance’s 75th anniversary, US officials have indicated that Russia is unlikely to achieve significant territorial advances in Ukraine in the near future.
This insight, shared with The New York Times, suggests a shift in the conflict dynamics, which had previously been more favourable to Moscow.
According to senior US officials speaking to The New York Times, Russian forces are struggling to penetrate Ukrainian defenses, which have been strengthened by Western munitions.
Inadequate training is also cited as a factor hindering Russian progress.
A senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who recently visited Ukraine, Michael Kofman, remarked, “Ukrainian forces are stretched thin and face difficult months of fighting ahead, but a major Russian breakthrough is now unlikely.”
Throughout the spring and early summer, Russian attempts to capture territory near Kharkiv and to renew their offensive in eastern Ukraine have largely failed, resulting in heavy casualties and minimal gains, according to US officials.
While Russian forces continue to cause damage, their incremental advances are being slowed by fortified Ukrainian positions.
The coming months are expected to be challenging for Ukraine, but allied leaders may argue that their support is proving effective.
During the NATO summit in Washington, discussions will focus on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and its future role within the alliance.
Leaders are expected to pledge new funding for Ukraine, plan coordinated weapons deliveries, and reaffirm their commitment to eventually granting Kyiv full membership in NATO.
Following a decisive victory in the UK general elections, Labour leader Keir Starmer visited Buckingham Palace, where King Charles asked him to form a new government.
Starmer addressed the nation, stating, “Tonight, people here and around the country have spoken. They are ready for change. The change begins right here because this is your democracy, your community and your future. You have voted and now it is time for us to deliver.”
Earlier, outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with King Charles to submit his resignation after the Conservative Party’s significant defeat.
In his farewell speech at 10 Downing Street, Sunak said, “I would like to say first and foremost: I am sorry. I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change, and yours is the only judgment that matters.” He also acknowledged Starmer, saying, “Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public-spirited man who I respect.”
Sunak’s resignation ends 14 years of Conservative governance in Britain. The Labour Party secured over 400 seats, while the Conservatives were reduced to fewer than 130 seats, and the Liberal Democrats increased their representation to 71 seats.
The Scottish National Party retained only nine seats. Despite receiving 14% of the vote, Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform party won just four seats due to the regional election system in Britain.
