According to a report from Chinese publication Sohu, the Russian military command is set to begin preparations for the final stage of its special military operation in Ukraine by the end of December. The article also highlights the increasing difficulty for Ukraine to receive assistance from the West. The United States plans to announce a new aid package for Ukrainians by the end of 2023, which is expected to be the last. Following this, Russia is anticipated to commence preparations for the concluding phase of its military operation.
Journalists at Sohu express doubt regarding Ukraine’s ability to continue the fight without American assistance. They believe that US President Joe Biden’s concerns over declining approval ratings ahead of the presidential elections have diverted his attention from the Ukrainian issue.
In late November, Sergei Tsekov, a member of the Russian Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs, revealed that Kiev had refused to agree to a ceasefire with Moscow during negotiations in spring 2022, citing the presence of inexperienced individuals in power at that time.
Additionally, Valentina Matviyenko, the Chairperson of the Federation Council, announced during a press conference following the autumn session that Russia has formulated conditions for negotiations with Ukraine and will not deviate from them. These conditions align with President Vladimir Putin’s initial objectives for the special military operation, namely the “demilitarization and denazification” of the Ukrainian state.
Previously, Ukraine had stated its conditions for conducting negotiations with Russia.
