{"id":127102,"date":"2024-11-18T02:31:03","date_gmt":"2024-11-17T19:31:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=127102"},"modified":"2024-11-18T02:31:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-17T19:31:03","slug":"russia-grinds-deeper-into-ukraine-after-1000-days-of-grueling-war","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=127102","title":{"rendered":"Russia grinds deeper into Ukraine after 1,000 days of grueling war"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) \u2014 When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine in <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-putin-attack-a05e7c4563ac94b963134bba83187d46\">February 2022<\/a><\/span>, the conventional wisdom was that the capital, Kyiv, would soon fall and the rest of the country wouldn\u2019t last long against a much larger enemy.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, it was that narrative that <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-europe-business-46c1061fc44458c903cf12fa442c57e1\">quickly collapsed.<\/a><\/span> The Ukrainian army proved it could slow the advance of Russia\u2019s forces and, if not drive them out completely, then \u2013 with enough support from the West \u2013 at least forestall defeat.<\/p>\n<p>But nearly three years later, the outlook is again grim. Russia is expending huge amounts of weaponry and human life to make small-but-steady territorial gains to the nearly one-fifth of Ukraine it already controls. Ukraine, meanwhile, is struggling to minimize losses, maintain morale and <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/election-ukraine-war-russia-harris-trump-b709d17bf1e81531853bd85fb8414ece\">convince allies<\/a><\/span> that, with more military aid, it can turn the tide. <\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/034f8e2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5008+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/9b04009\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5008+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e9a7a18\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5008+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/69475a2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5008+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/963a025\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5009+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cd454fb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5009+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b344d3f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5009+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eb4ec47\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5009+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b344d3f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5009+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eb4ec47\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5009+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b344d3f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7519x5009+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F3a%2Fa5%2F35cac25e3568d14bfea032d84e4d%2F93ea8a0bacd4491f860feb3a8a0d765a\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Ukrainian servicemen prepare towarda Wong fire towards Russian positions at the frontline in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. (AP Photo\/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ea6191e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7e985f4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/78d94ae\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2e633ac\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e51aced\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/762f9bb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4d3b56c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ba71059\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4d3b56c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ba71059\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4d3b56c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5500x3664+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F8a%2F0a%2F06b7bdae0b441a5f986cae84e766%2F1e2334a72d4d4863b96593b26861e1f2\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">A resident looks for belongings in an apartment building destroyed during fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces in Borodyanka, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 5, 2022. (AP Photo\/Vadim Ghirda, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-6f0000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1b9ab62\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/800x545!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/fd5079a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/1600x1090!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/81fa445\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/800x545!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/962e4c9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/1600x1090!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ebee461\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/767x523!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/fb4f67d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/1534x1046!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/03e83c4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/767x523!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eae7d59\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/1534x1046!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e855947\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/599x408!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4843292\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/1198x816!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source width=\"599\" height=\"408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/dadfe7f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/599x408!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ff2c100\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/1198x816!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/dadfe7f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/599x408!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ff2c100\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/1198x816!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"408\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/dadfe7f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3197+0+0\/resize\/599x408!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>FILE &#8211; Destroyed houses are photographed in Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 30, 2022. (AP Photo\/Emilio Morenatti, File)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>As this brutal war of attrition grinds toward its 1,000th day, neither side seems eager to negotiate. President-elect Donald Trump has said <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-russia-ukraine-war-un-election-a78ecb843af452b8dda1d52d137ca893\">he could quickly end the war<\/a><\/span>, though it is unclear how or in whose favor he might tip the scales. <\/p>\n<p>This backdrop appears to be driving Russia\u2019s strategy in eastern Ukraine, according to Phillips O\u2019Brien, a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Trump could try to force an end to the war by halting the supply of weapons to Ukraine, he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf Trump cuts aid to Ukraine and a cease-fire leads to a frozen conflict, Russia wants to secure as much territory as it can now,\u201d O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n<p>For Ukraine, the key to any cease-fire would be guarantees from the West that it won\u2019t allow Russia to re-invade in the future. Otherwise, O\u2019Brien said, \u201ca cease-fire is a recipe for constant instability in Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Russia is advancing slowly but steadily in eastern Ukraine<\/h2>\n<p>In the war\u2019s first year, Ukraine lost huge amounts of territory \u2014 but it also <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-kyiv-europe-moscow-4e97bd11d24b21e9ce3332a629e6ccfd\">achieved notable victories<\/a><\/span>. It resisted a much larger adversary with superior air power to survive as an independent country, and it reclaimed some land through <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-putin-kyiv-europe-moscow-7dcca261a8af0641f9a3c11cc7f644b0\">gutsy counteroffensives<\/a><\/span>, giving the underdog \u2014 and its wealthy allies \u2014 the confidence to stay in the fight. <\/p>\n<p>In the second year, which was punctuated by Ukraine\u2019s devastating <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-1f62e18440e06378401f0b9daab9ab24\">loss of Bakhmut<\/a><\/span> and its failed counteroffensive, the armies essentially fought to a standstill along a 1,000 kilometer (620 mile) front line. Toward the end of that year, the U.S. Congress delayed the approval of a <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/ukraine-aid-israel-tiktok-congress-a8910452e623413bf1da1e491d1d94ba\">$61 billion package<\/a><\/span> of aid for <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/ukraine-aid-israel-gaza-taiwan-c0645ad3f47f9d919c8988a98593e887\">weapons<\/a><\/span>, and economic and humanitarian assistance. <\/p>\n<p>With Ukraine\u2019s ammunition dwindling, its outlook deteriorated significantly as the war\u2019s third year began. In February 2024, the town of <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-war-avdiivka-2e827b4cae4698b3f6b80a421447fab8\">Avdiivka fell<\/a><\/span> after months of airstrikes by Russia, which used highly destructive Soviet-era bombs retrofitted with navigation systems. <\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-d80000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/894b177\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ec7389b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2a9a1e9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/559144b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c83ae69\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/74b6e55\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2d16f3c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/d8725b2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a86c4a7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a837203\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 2x\"><source width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4a2d25c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a5c2254\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4a2d25c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a5c2254\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4a2d25c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5110x3407+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fc9%2F65%2Fb8ee90a8c241ad135ef625445314%2F56b4516ffe564f70ab05fb08a53d02cb\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p> A Ukrainian assault unit commander passes by a dead Russian soldier on the front line near Andriivka, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo\/Alex Babenko, File)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The fall of Avdiivka created a major breach in Ukraine\u2019s defenses. When Russia later mounted an assault on the <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-war-news-5-17-2024-ce31e2e73cbb8dd59aa73baa6cd87d68\">northeastern city of Kharkiv,<\/a><\/span> Ukrainian troops were stretched further. <\/p>\n<p>A bright spot for Ukraine came in August, when it launched a surprise incursion into Russia. It took \u2014 and still holds \u2014 hundreds of square kilometers in <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-incursion-gamble-battlefield-e862afd58c65d6d2d5b7b3747423ca4d\">the Kursk region.<\/a><\/span> While this could be an important chip in any cease-fire negotiations, it hasn\u2019t stopped Russian forces from taking more land in Ukraine\u2019s east. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Russians have paid a very high price to keep advancing, but they\u2019re willing to pay that price in lives to gain a few more meters of territory each day,\u201d said Justin Crump, head of the British strategic advisory firm Sibylline.<\/p>\n<p>Tens of thousands of soldiers from both countries have been killed since the start of the war in 2022, according to estimates, and the U.N. says at least 11,700 Ukrainian <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-war-drones-bombs-missiles-c10b8419748e8874f331ea185439c8b5\">civilians have been killed.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>While the amount of land Russia has gained in 2024 \u2014 about 2,455 square kilometers (948 square miles)\u2014 is equal to less than 1% of Ukraine\u2019s pre-war territory, it is having a psychological impact.<\/p>\n<p>With Ukraine in retreat, \u201cwe\u2019ve now returned to a period reminiscent of the (war\u2019s) first months,\u201d said Mykola Bielieskov, an analyst at CBA Initiatives Center in Kyiv. \u201cThis strengthens Russia\u2019s position \u2014 not so much militarily, but in terms of morale.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-4e0000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0be0592\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/800x550!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6189822\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/1600x1100!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4ab8349\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/800x550!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b76bf69\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/1600x1100!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7b576e0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/767x527!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f0a3f04\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/1534x1054!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/889ecc3\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/767x527!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0203ebd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/1534x1054!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/850a1ba\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/599x412!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bc5f650\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/1198x824!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 2x\"><source width=\"599\" height=\"412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3186761\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/599x412!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/d061dcc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/1198x824!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3186761\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/599x412!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/d061dcc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/1198x824!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"412\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3186761\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3811x2619+0+0\/resize\/599x412!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F85%2Fed%2F623181431223bd2efc64bd3cea09%2F3e2f606c41f54bb88471144df72aaefd\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>FILE &#8211; Funeral workers carry a coffin with an unidentified civilian body, who died on the territory of the Bucha community during the Russian occupation period in February-March 2022, during a funeral in Bucha, near Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. (AP Photo\/Emilio Morenatti, File)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>A war of attrition requires both sides to seek outside resources<\/h2>\n<p>To keep its war machine going, Russia \u2014 like Ukraine \u2014 has turned to allies for help.<\/p>\n<p>Iran supplies Russia with drones and <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-iran-ukraine-ballistic-missiles-us-intelligence-1e637abe11396989c641fa5bf3f57b24\">possibly missiles,<\/a><\/span> and North Korea has sent ammunition \u2014 and even <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/russia-ukraine-north-korea-war-735ab717dcf92a718adcb68bfbddc653\">troops,<\/a><\/span> who have been deployed to Russia\u2019s Kursk region.<\/p>\n<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed this year that 700,000 of his troops are fighting in Ukraine. Analysts say Putin would need a much larger force to accelerate Russia\u2019s advance, but that he is unlikely to mobilize more troops because it could stoke internal discontent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/caa9384\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4280519\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c80a9cb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1788341\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b9cceea\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eaef58b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/57c737b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7579786\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/57c737b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7579786\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/57c737b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fbf%2F55%2Fcdbdb974534ff06272f821e3a2c9%2Ff9b5349babc14291aa978805202bb628\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">FILE &#8211; Ukrainian soldiers fire toward Russian positions at the front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Monday, June 24, 2024. (AP Photo\/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0a62afe\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5313+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/65e1e66\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5313+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6801dbd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5313+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/331fd1c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5313+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0ca360b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5314+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8efe0f4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5314+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2cb1f14\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5314+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0e012aa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5314+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2cb1f14\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5314+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0e012aa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5314+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2cb1f14\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7976x5314+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6c%2F02%2Fb34b444979f85a39b75ce1379f9d%2Ffc3eebad53f141ca916b4e777b6dbf0d\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">FILE &#8211; Ukrainian forces shoot toward Russian positions at the front line in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. (AP Photo\/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-940000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/681d62a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/220936c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eb817dd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c6d1666\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/645c549\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3bd555c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/408d928\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/dc6dc3f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bac65c4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/95cad2a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 2x\"><source width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/de49076\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b22c370\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/de49076\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b22c370\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/de49076\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5760+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fcf%2Fe5%2F70ba1aedfd1d308b9ffebf75c99a%2F63475741557e476bb3af9d7250aabb4b\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>FILE &#8211; A Ukrainian police officer takes cover in front of a burning building that was hit in a Russian airstrike in Avdiivka, Ukraine, Friday, March 17, 2023. (AP Photo\/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Ukraine\u2019s foothold in Kursk is another complicating factor for Putin, and it could be used as a bargaining chip in any future cease-fire negotiations. <\/p>\n<p>Captain Yevhen Karas, a Ukrainian commander in Kursk, said the fighting inside Russia is highly dynamic, but he believes it will prove effective in diverting Russia\u2019s attention and resources.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEven a creeping, retreating front exhausts the enemy significantly,\u201d Karas said.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine has asked the West for <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/ukraine-russia-missiles-war-nato-zelenskyy-b8039dcdd5b5f03415acd757fbead8e6\">longer range missiles<\/a><\/span> and its blessing to fire at air bases deep inside Russia. But its allies have so far resisted, wary of <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/victory-plan-ukraine-russia-war-zelenskyy-1a66e6b1655fcaa421526ad174e618bd\">escalating tensions<\/a><\/span> with a nuclear-armed Russia.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/9ae8f82\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eae3e27\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0c1d941\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b5e6003\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5755+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6ffa47e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/aae9d88\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5409faf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7b994f4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5409faf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7b994f4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5409faf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8640x5756+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Ff0%2F93%2Fd14fcdd1d7f01ec258dc9e85bd06%2Fc3962707e9ba481797c6c06d7199acf3\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">A woman walks amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 3, 2022. (AP Photo\/Rodrigo Abd, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/727c20c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3126+0+35\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/23a2e7f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3126+0+35\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eb63ce4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3126+0+35\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3bc0ae8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3126+0+35\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/fb5350c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3127+0+35\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b05f586\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3127+0+35\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c79d64e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3127+0+35\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f93cbff\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3127+0+35\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c79d64e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3127+0+35\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f93cbff\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3127+0+35\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c79d64e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4693x3127+0+35\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fd6%2F97%2F2e90cc0ebd2a802b4a08511fb45b%2F0bc548a4961b42b595395a8bc99c35ef\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Destroyed houses are photographed in Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 30, 2022. (AP Photo\/Emilio Morenatti, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-a80000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8a05e30\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5763552\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a8a7b3f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5213eab\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b827142\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cd89354\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/85cba14\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4f9d934\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c4cd781\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/24c24b2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 2x\"><source width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3b1269e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f163f74\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3b1269e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f163f74\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3b1269e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3864x2576+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F39%2F0e%2Fc19fea128d198bec2bb6cac9fd2f%2Fad454aa8ac9e4af0a998dd8df0aeef51\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>FILE &#8211; A destroyed Russian tank, covered in snow, stands in the yard of a private house in the town of Sviatohirsk, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. (AP Photo\/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The U.S. has provided more than $64 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the war began 1,000 days ago. Soldiers worry about what would happen without sustained American support. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cBravery, heroism, and spirit alone are not enough,\u201d said a Ukrainian soldier in the eastern Donetsk region who spoke on condition of anonymity, in line with military rules. <\/p>\n<p>The soldier estimated that where he is stationed Russian infantry outnumber Ukrainian troops 10 to 1. As the war drags on and the death toll rises, it has become increasingly difficult for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to keep replacing troops. <\/p>\n<h2>The US will play a vital role in determining the war\u2019s next direction<\/h2>\n<h2\/>\n<p>What direction the war takes next will depend in large part on how the incoming Trump administration plays its hand. <\/p>\n<p>Trump, who has touted his good relationship with President Vladimir Putin and called the Russian leader \u201cpretty smart\u201d for invading Ukraine, has repeatedly criticized American backing of Ukraine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7e21a44\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+4\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e514943\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+4\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/42f0b93\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+4\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/10e3048\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+4\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1149144\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+3\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eb72fbb\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+3\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/68707f9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+3\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c38701d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+3\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/68707f9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+3\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c38701d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+3\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/68707f9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4418x2943+0+3\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fa1%2F4f%2F76c2b48a26a59351c2483757c6fa%2F5d2ff5e8a6ce4ffea786e56a502d15e9\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Former President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine&#8217;s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo\/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1a6a40b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5509+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c1f0868\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5509+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e99ba71\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5509+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8a6e11d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5509+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/782be7c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5510+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/455d16a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5510+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/31f20a5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5510+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/02e2463\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5510+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/31f20a5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5510+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/02e2463\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5510+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/31f20a5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/8271x5510+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F7e%2F61%2F38e7e77d27fc171cf53a670df1bb%2F8b345c753b7f414387a81d4565871b0e\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speak to journalists during a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo\/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>During his only campaign debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump twice <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/trump-harris-ukraine-russia-war-putin-98aed0b4ffd785c7865ee17f66030a1d\">refused to directly answer<\/a><\/span> a question about whether he wanted Ukraine to win \u2014 raising concerns that Kyiv could be forced to accept unfavorable terms in any negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>Without security guarantees from the West, Ukraine could find itself vulnerable to future Russian aggression. Analysts say a cease-fire based on the current state of the battlefield would set a dangerous precedent, implying that Europe\u2019s borders are up for grabs through military action \u2014 something that hasn\u2019t happened since World War II.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis would also have a lot of traction in countries like China, India, and elsewhere,\u201d said Richard Connolly, a Russia expert at the Royal United Services Institute in London. \u201cThey could present that as a strategic defeat not only for Ukraine, but also for the West.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As another winter of war approaches, Ukrainian soldiers say they remain resolute.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are standing strong, giving it our all, and we won\u2019t surrender,\u201d said a battalion chief of staff in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. \u201cThe most important thing now is not to lose more land.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-8d0000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0353bc8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/31d99de\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/df5febd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/800x533!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8f71f7f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/1600x1066!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b93a98e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/e38eba8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/251a643\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/75a0b10\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/23ce0c2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ea9d64d\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 2x\"><source width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7b183e5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ed68533\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7b183e5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ed68533\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7b183e5\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5000x3334+0+0\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F37%2F95%2Fc15bff0215a1ed9b0274c0c5ecbe%2F649926e0e4d54538b469b1e9f14d7ac4\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>FILE &#8211; Ukrainian emergency employees and volunteers carry an injured pregnant woman from a maternity hospital damaged by shelling in Mariupol, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 9, 2022. (AP Photo\/Evgeniy Maloletka, File)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>___<\/h2>\n<p>Associated Press journalist Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed to this report.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fbAsyncInit = function() {\n      FB.init({\n              appId : '870613919693099',\n          xfbml : true,\n          version : 'v2.9'\n      });\n  };\n  (function(d, s, id){\n     var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];\n     if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}\n     js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;\n     js.src = \"https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/sdk.js\";\n     fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);\n   }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/ukraine-russia-war-f7f56e494df1dbbcdec1853001796c45\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) \u2014 When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine in February 2022, the conventional wisdom was that the capital, Kyiv, would soon fall and the rest of the country &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=127102\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-127102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-world","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=127102"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127102\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=127102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=127102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=127102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}