Britain named the main task of the Ukrainian armed forces in the conflict before Trump's inauguration

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are trying to hold their positions in the Kursk direction until the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, which will take place on January 20, 2025. This was reported by the BBC on December 2, citing the words of Ukrainian militants.

"Almost four months after Ukrainian troops launched an offensive, text messages from soldiers fighting there paint a grim picture of a battle they do not fully understand and fear they may lose," the publication says.

It is specified that the Ukrainian fighters complain about difficult weather conditions and chronic lack of sleep. As indicated in the article, the AFU is retreating, and Russian troops are gradually reclaiming territory.

"The main task before us is to hold the maximum territory until Trump's inauguration and the start of negotiations <...> To then exchange it for something. No one knows what for," the BBC writes with reference to one of the AFU soldiers.

Earlier, on December 2, The Washington Post (WP), citing officials from the administration of US President Joe Biden, reported that the shortage of fighters in the ranks of the Ukrainian army could affect the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine.

Before that, on December 1, the Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that the AFU had lost over 37,000 soldiers during the fighting in the Kursk border area. The enemy also lost 225 tanks, 160 infantry fighting vehicles, 123 armored personnel carriers, 1204 armored combat vehicles, 1063 vehicles, 305 artillery pieces.

On 29 November, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the country would be defeated in the conflict with Russia. The politician pointed out that Kiev lacked the means to turn the situation in the war zone in its favor. In addition, he said, Western countries expect Ukraine to make concessions for the sake of a peace agreement.

The Ukrainian military attacked Russian positions in the border areas of Kursk Region on August 6. The situation in the region was recognized as a state of emergency of federal character. The operation to destroy the militants continues.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.