Putin would rather keep killing than admit he’s lost. As a winter of misery looms in Ukraine, Nato must step in | Simon Tisdall

What Happened

Russian forces are conducting a sustained campaign of ballistic missile and jet-drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, including Kyiv. These attacks are reportedly destroying logistics centers, pharmaceutical facilities, and power grid components, leading to increased civilian casualties and resource shortages. While the Russian government maintains that its invasion is proceeding according to plan, Western analysts report that Russian forces are suffering significant military losses and facing domestic economic pressure.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The intensification of strikes on critical infrastructure ahead of winter threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and further degrade the country's capacity to sustain its population. The lack of a unified international peace process and the reported obstruction of military aid deliveries by the United States contribute to the protraction of the conflict, creating a strategic environment where both sides remain locked in a war of attrition.

Watch For

Monitor for potential shifts in US weapons delivery policies, specifically regarding Patriot missile interceptors, and any developments in diplomatic efforts involving envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Additionally, observe the impact of winter conditions on Ukraine's energy grid and the resulting civilian displacement patterns.