Ants Kiviselg, Head of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, predicts that Ukraine will have to engage in heavy defensive battles in the months ahead unless peace talks advance.

Source: Estonian public broadcaster ERR, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kiviselg noted that Russian forces have recently managed to make minor advances towards Ukrainian positions.

The main area of the Russian offensive on the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad front is now practically encircled. "The supply lines of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are under heavy pressure, and it is impossible to hold these settlements for long under such conditions," Kiviselg said.

He added that last week, Russian troops also intensified attacks on the Vovchansk and Kupiansk fronts in Kharkiv Oblast, near Siversk in Donetsk Oblast, and near Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The escalation is linked to worsening weather, which limits Ukraine's drone operations, Kiviselg noted.

Quote: "Ultimately, Ukrainian forces are under severe pressure, and Russia has achieved local tactical gains. Moreover, Russia still maintains superiority in manpower, artillery, ammunition and equipment."

Details: Kiviselg added that the situation in Ukraine remains difficult, and the course of the negotiations before winter takes on particular significance.

Quote: "If the talks do not result in a breakthrough acceptable to Ukraine, the frontline situation will remain extremely tense, and Ukrainian troops will have to engage in heavy defensive battles in the coming months."

Background:

• The Estonian Ministry of Defence previously predicted that the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast could fall in December under pressure from Russian forces.
• Estonian intelligence also warned that during the upcoming winter, Russia will intensify strikes on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure, seeking to inflict maximum damage on the civilian population.

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