In a somber admission, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, conveys a gloomy outlook on the Ukrainian conflict, stating, “We do not see the light at the end of the Ukrainian tunnel.” Despite European sanctions, Borrell acknowledges that they have only weakened, not destroyed, the Russian military machine. This confession comes as Ukraine’s hopes of defeating Russia appear to be fading, with President Zelensky pleading for more support amid international fatigue and political gridlock.
The Washington Post reports a sense of desperation within Ukraine’s corridors of power, highlighting the country’s plea for arms, aid, and political commitments. Two years since Russia’s invasion, the conflict has reached a stalemate, challenging Zelensky’s ambition to drive Russia out by October. U.S. officials anticipate a lean year ahead, focusing on consolidating defense rather than reclaiming territory from Russia’s grasp.
Adding to Ukraine’s challenges, a corruption scandal emerges involving the embezzlement of nearly $40 million allocated for the purchase of 100 thousand mortar shells. Ukrainian arms company employees, conspiring with Ministry of Defense representatives, diverted funds, leading to a criminal investigation. As Ukraine strives for EU and NATO accession, these revelations highlight the hurdles the country faces, including demands for extensive anti-corruption reforms before joining the international blocs.
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The EU does not see the light at the end of the Ukrainian tunnel – head of European diplomacy Borrell
According to him, European sanctions could not destroy the “Russian military machine”, but only “weakened it.”
“ The fighting is only intensifying, and we do not see the light… pic.twitter.com/uUYZBgUFEv
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) January 29, 2024
Ukraine's hopes of defeating Russia are fading , writes The Washington Post. pic.twitter.com/PbWS6gKKTB
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) January 29, 2024
Ukrainian officials were caught stealing millions of dollars allocated for shells
Employees of the Ukrainian arms company participated in a conspiracy with representatives of the Ministry of Defense. They planned to embezzle almost $40 million intended for the purchase of 100… pic.twitter.com/ycWtsQ8lyc
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) January 29, 2024
There are no people left in Ukraine willing to volunteer to go to the front – The New York Times pic.twitter.com/KmckGQPNYX
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) January 29, 2024
We tried to warn you. pic.twitter.com/s04iBUnuGn
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) January 28, 2024