Ukraine is preparing for a prolonged war, as publicly stated by Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski. Western partners and the US discuss new support mechanisms, though European military aid to Ukraine has dropped by 57% over the summer. Meanwhile, Europe is urged to maintain long-term support and is strengthening its own defense infrastructure.
Across Ukraine, emergency electricity outages are being imposed. Members of the Ukrainian parliament demand a report from the government regarding expenditures on the protection of critical infrastructure, as measures to protect energy facilities have proven insufficient.
Recently, Russian forces have repeatedly attacked gas infrastructure in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. Thermal power plants are also targeted. Against this backdrop, the US and NATO are considering enhanced arms supplies, specifically the possible delivery of Tomahawk missiles. According to the New York Times, a decision may be made soon.
Finland is preparing shelters for nearly all citizens, while both Germany and Ukraine face greater challenges with bomb shelter availability. Labor migration among Ukrainian youth is on the rise—job and asylum requests in Germany among people aged 18–22 have increased tenfold.
In national politics, Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Serhiy Lysak as head of the Odesa City Military Administration, and Vladyslav Haivanenko as acting head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Administration. Controversy continues over the citizenship of former Odesa mayor Trukhanov.
The UK expanded its sanctions list against Russia, adding dozens of companies and individuals, including those from the oil sector. Sanctions also target companies from India, China, and the UAE. Forbes reports a significant rise in debts of Russia's state-owned companies.
These international developments are complemented by discussions around missile transfers and the actions of US and Russian leaders on the world stage. The course of future events depends on the effectiveness of sanctions, allied support, and the resilience of Ukrainian society.
