By: Nessa Purdy
Opinion Editor
Alliances between Russia and China are bringing to light new tensions surrounding the Russo-Ukrainian War and possible changes to the Kremlin’s war strategy. According to Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky, dwindling supplies and manpower are also weakening the Ukrainian defense.
Russian forces have been continuing their westward push into Ukraine since the initial invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Recent Russian land gains near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, signal significant advances in Russia’s invasion. Reports show Russia has taken control of the town of Vovchansk, just north of Kharkiv, as well as the Vovchansk Central District Hospital.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 16 in Beijing to reinforce their alliance in the midst of growing global conflicts. In a joint statement, the two explained, “Russian-Chinese relations stand the test of rapid changes in the world, demonstrating strength and stability, and are experiencing the best period in their history.” Putin’s two-day visit also featured discussion about how the powers will deal with US involvement in both nations. They explained in their statement, “[We] intend to increase interaction and tighten coordination in order to counter Washington’s destructive and hostile course towards the so-called ‘dual containment’ of our countries.” With regards to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Jinping described that going forward he wants to “keep Putin as a close partner, while not stepping over Western red lines.”
Zelenksy’s defense continues to withdraw in the west after Russia’s advance in Avdiivka last month. Bakhmut, a city in Eastern Ukraine, remains a hotspot for conflict in the war as Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange territory control. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated, “Despite the substantial increase in attacks on this axis, Russia made only minor tactical gains in the area during April and almost certainly sustained heavy losses.”
Even with a recent US aid package worth 61 billion dollars, Ukraine continues to suffer great supply losses. Zelensky explained to the Agence France-Presse that more soldiers were “desperately needed” on the frontlines. In the same statement, he explained that the Ukrainian military is undergoing extreme issues with morale as the Ukrainian offensive is often outmanned and outgunned. Despite these losses, Zelensky explained they would maintain their defensive lines, proclaiming, “No one is going to give up.” He concluded the statement by describing the need for western allies to continue sending aid in order to bring an end to the hostilities.
Continued land and air strikes since the start of the war have caused great casualties for both Russian and Ukrainian forces. According to U.S sources, Ukrainian casualties are estimated at 70,000, with Russian casualties approaching 300,000.
(Sources: BBC,CNBC, CNN)