War of Attrition: Putin Uses the West's Indecision to Intensify Aggression in Ukraine - Media.

While the US and its allies hesitate about Ukraine's ability to use long-range weapons against targets inside Russia, Vladimir Putin continues his war at any cost.

According to Bloomberg, Russia continues to obtain important components for missiles from the West, which are necessary for shelling the Ukrainian population, despite the increase in sanctions aimed at preventing the transfer of such technologies.

Despite Western intelligence agencies tallying Russia's losses in the Donbas, Putin continues to supply his troops. He signed a law granting suspects in criminal offenses the opportunity to avoid prosecution if they join the army. This is a sign of Russia's difficulties in replacing troop losses and the Kremlin's determination to avoid repeating the unpopular mobilization from two years ago.

Russian forces are gradually advancing in the Donbas - this week, they captured the strategic town of Vuhledar.

Putin plans to allocate 40% of next year's state budget to defense and national security - much more than on education, healthcare, and social policies combined. This indicates increased repression and a bet that Ukraine's allies will tire of supporting its defense.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the need for weapon security. However, some allies are already facing financial difficulties, and others are less willing to help.

Dependence on US Presidential Elections

Much depends on the US presidential elections, where Republican candidate Donald Trump holds a more ambiguous position regarding the continuation of military aid than his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

Putin has no such problems. He intensifies nuclear intimidation, trying to scare the US and Europe into further delaying long-range strikes.

"As the third full winter of war approaches, the strategic question facing Kyiv's allies is the same as on day one: do they help Ukraine defeat Putin's invasion, or ensure its end in a stalemate?" - notes the publication.