Ukraine faces its most challenging winter amid ongoing conflict

Russia aimed to capture the strategic town of Pokrovsk by November 2024, but its forces are a year behind schedule. Despite being outnumbered, Ukrainian defenders are fiercely resisting, inflicting significant casualties on Russian troops. As fighting intensifies and new tactics emerge, the conflict risks escalating into broader offensives. With Ukraine’s international partners called to enhance support, the question remains: can Ukraine hold the line against mounting pressure and emerge with leverage for a future cease-fire?