Ukraine's Desperate Plea for NATO Membership Amid Battlefield Losses

Recent reports suggest Ukraine is making a desperate plea to join NATO immediately as it faces mounting losses on the battlefield against Russia. This comes amid ongoing discussions about Western financial support for Ukraine and deteriorating conditions for Ukrainian forces in key areas.

According to sources, Ukraine's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak has allegedly stated that Ukraine is in dire straits militarily, is losing the war, and cannot sustain the conflict much longer. The only way out, per these reports, is for NATO to directly participate in the war by admitting Ukraine as a member before the end of this year.

While the veracity of Yermak's alleged comments is uncertain, they align with public statements by President Zelensky about the difficult military situation Ukraine faces, particularly around Bakhmut and Kharkiv. A recent Washington Post article also painted a grim picture, suggesting Ukraine cannot indefinitely sustain a prolonged war of attrition against Russia.

If accurate, Ukraine appears to be telling Western powers that it cannot negotiate on Russia's terms, cannot win alone, is losing the war, and lacks the resources to continue fighting long-term against Russia's vast resources. The message seems to be that the West must fully commit by bringing Ukraine into NATO, providing all requested weapons, allowing deep strikes into Russia, and directly participating in the conflict - or Ukraine will lose in a defeat that will be as much the West's as Ukraine's.

However, such demands are likely to be very unwelcome in Western capitals. There is little appetite in Europe for direct confrontation with Russia. The Pentagon continues to resist allowing deep strikes into Russia, seeing little military advantage. If Zelensky proposes these ideas at the UN, he will likely face strong resistance.

The West may instead urge Ukraine to seek a ceasefire and conflict freeze to avoid total defeat, though this would be politically difficult for Ukraine's leadership. Some speculate Zelensky may be setting the stage to tell Ukrainians that Ukraine tried to get more Western help but was refused, leaving no choice but to negotiate with Russia.

On the battlefield, the situation continues to deteriorate for Ukraine in several areas:

Kupyansk Front

Russian forces are advancing in the Kupyansk area, reportedly reaching the outskirts of Synkivka village. This threatens to turn the Ukrainian presence in Kupyansk from an enclave into an unstable pocket that could be encircled. Ukrainian losses in the area are reportedly very high.

Bakhmut Area

Russian forces are now reportedly within 4 km of Chasiv Yar and 10 km of Bakhmut itself. They have begun systematically shelling Bakhmut with tube artillery, suggesting they have established stable positions nearby. Key supply roads and railways to Bakhmut are now under Russian fire control.

South of Bakhmut

Russians have captured Klishchiivka and are storming Andriivka. They also reportedly control a coal mine northeast of Kurdyumivka, straddling a key road from Chasiv Yar to Kramatorsk.

Avdiivka Area

Russians confirmed capture of Vodyane west of Donetsk and are fighting in Maksymilianivka, moving closer to Krasnohorivka. Heavy Russian strikes are reported on Ukrainian positions around Avdiivka, possibly presaging a major offensive.

Other Areas

Russians continue advancing within Toretsk and are storming the remaining Ukrainian-held areas of Sievierodonetsk. They have also made gains east of Kupyansk and south of Kreminna.

Overall, the military situation appears increasingly dire for Ukraine. With Western funding and supplies dwindling, and Ukraine reportedly demanding immediate NATO membership, we may be entering the endgame of this phase of the conflict. How it unfolds remains to be seen, but Ukraine faces mounting challenges on multiple fronts.

Meanwhile, discussions continue about Western financial support for Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv, reportedly to discuss a potential 35 billion euro loan from the EU. This comes amid complications with the previously proposed $50 billion loan backed by frozen Russian assets.

The original loan concept has evolved significantly since first proposed. Initially, it was to be raised on international financial markets through Ukrainian bonds, paid from interest on frozen Russian assets, and guaranteed by the EU. This aimed to bypass the need for Western parliamentary approvals.

However, this plan proved unworkable. The financial markets were unlikely to buy Ukrainian bonds given the country's situation. There were legal questions about using frozen Russian asset interest and doubts about EU guarantees. The assets also likely produce insufficient income to repay bonds in a reasonable timeframe.

The plan then shifted to direct funding by Western governments - $20 billion each from the US and EU, with $10 billion from others. But this requires parliamentary approvals, which are increasingly difficult to obtain given growing skepticism about Ukraine funding.

Now the EU is considering going it alone with a 35 billion euro loan, independent of US participation. But this still requires approval from EU member state parliaments, which may be challenging in countries like France, Italy and Germany given budget pressures.

Overall, the loan discussions highlight the growing difficulties in sustaining Western financial support for Ukraine as the conflict drags on without a clear resolution in sight. Combined with Ukraine's reported pleas for immediate NATO membership, it paints a picture of mounting desperation as Ukraine struggles to maintain its position against Russia's ongoing offensive operations.

The coming weeks may prove critical in determining the future trajectory of the conflict and Western support for Ukraine. Much depends on how Western capitals respond to Ukraine's apparent demands and the ongoing situation on the battlefield. But the window for Ukraine to change the military dynamics appears to be narrowing as Russia makes steady gains in key areas.

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