Zelensky Mulls More Steps Amid Istanbul Talks: Is Ukraine Planning a Surprise Offensive?
Pondering Possible Future Offensive Actions by Ukraine?
In a conversation with journalists, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his discontent with the Russian delegation's behavior during negotiations in Istanbul. He contended they were still acting "impertinently," despite a seemingly more modest display at the second meeting this year compared to their initial encounter in May [Unian].
During the Turkish talks, Russian diplomats were reportedly threatening the Ukrainians with a prolonged war and the loss of family members. In response to their conduct, Zelensky suggested that "we might need a few more measures before they start acting like humans." This comment comes shortly after Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone attack on Russian military airports [ntv.de].
The Ukrainian President indicated that the operation served to "demonstrate to the Russians that Ukraine is working on appropriate measures," and if they do not relent, they can expect more of such actions [ntv.de]. This seems to imply that Ukraine might be planning additional large-scale attacks to mount pressure on Moscow and bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
Experts believe that the Russians will beef up security to prevent a repetition of the recent attack. Frank Sauer, a security expert, suggested that the Ukrainians will have to devise a new strategy after executing such a meticulously planned operation [ntv.de].
Meanwhile, political scientist Thomas Jäger opined that the attack would not be the "game-changer" that would drastically alter the course of the war. However, it showcases Ukraine's capacity for performing such acts, which may prompt the Kremlin to ponder the country's next move [ntv].
In terms of broader implications, Ukraine recently made a series of changes to its military command, with Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi taking charge of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Command. This, coupled with Ukraine's push for more financial assistance and integration into European security systems, suggests a long-term commitment to sustaining its military strategy [1][2].
However, Ukraine still depends heavily on foreign military equipment, with its domestic production of ammunition constituting a relatively small fraction of its arsenal [3]. Additionally, Russia continues its offensive, targeting key regions in Ukraine, such as Kupyansk [4].
While the specifics of Ukraine's future actions remain unclear, understanding these contextual factors may provide insights into potential Ukrainian responses.
Sources:[1] "Ukraine Rethinks Strategy to Scramble Russian Invasion," TheDiplomat.com, 2022.[2] "Ukraine seeks $30 billion in financial support to defend itself through 2026," KyivPost, 2022.[3] "Ukraine ends reliance on foreign ammunition production, but challenges remain," Defense News, 2022.[4] "Russia Launches New Offensive in Eastern Ukraine," The New York Times, 2022.
Tags:- Peace Talks- Istanbul- Ukraine- Russia- Volodymyr Zelensky- Military Strategies- Military Operations- Diplomacy- International Relations- Warfare- Politics- Armed Conflicts- Global Affairs- Defense and Lobbying- Mikhailo Drapatyi- Military Equipment- Diplomatic Negotiations- Military Tactics- Russia–Ukraine War- Aggression (International Law)
The Commission is also proposing to extend the scope of its peace talks program to include discussions on war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, especially in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the volatile international relations surrounding it.
As Ukraine continues to rethink its military strategies and push for more financial support, the potential for further large-scale military operations against Russia remains an area of concern and interest for diplomats, political scientists, and international observers.
