Nato Chief Warns of Ukraine's 'Harshest Winter' Amid Escalating Russian Strikes
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stark warning to the European Parliament, declaring that Ukraine is confronting its "harshest winter" in more than a decade. This caution comes as Russia intensifies its military campaign, targeting critical infrastructure and cultural landmarks across the country.
Devastating Attacks on Kharkiv and Kyiv
On Monday, Russian drones and missile strikes hit Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, causing widespread disruption. Local officials reported that 80% of the city and surrounding regions lost power, with attacks damaging apartment buildings, a school, and a kindergarten. Two people were injured in the assault, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov highlighted that an "energy site" was specifically targeted as temperatures plummeted to -14°C overnight. Meanwhile, Kyiv has endured three massive air attacks since the New Year, leaving hundreds of buildings without power or heating.
Cultural Heritage Under Threat
Ukraine's cultural heritage is also under siege. The country's culture ministry confirmed that a Russian drone and missile attack damaged parts of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an 11th-century monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site. The assault, which occurred overnight to Saturday, resulted in damage to doors and window frames at this spiritual centre for Orthodox Christians.
UNESCO added the site to its list of endangered landmarks in 2023, citing the "threat of destruction" from Russia's ongoing offensive. The complex, founded in the 11th century, features over 100 buildings and a subterranean labyrinth of caves used by monks.
Rutte's Urgent Appeal to European Lawmakers
Addressing the European Parliament, Rutte urged lawmakers to demonstrate flexibility in using EU funds to support Ukraine. He welcomed France's recent seizure of a suspected shadow fleet tanker, a move that undermines Russia's war funding model.
Rutte emphasised Nato's continued support, including billions of dollars in US military equipment, but noted that Ukraine's desire to join Nato faces opposition from some member states, making it "politically, practically not on the cards" for now. He dismissed the idea of a European alternative to Nato without US involvement, warning that "Putin would love it."
Broader Implications and Regional Developments
War correspondent Janine di Giovanni suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is intentionally "weaponising the savage eastern European winter" to weaken Ukraine. In Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown, Russian drones struck a high-rise apartment building, triggering a fire, though residents were safely evacuated.
Rutte called for US-led peace talks to aim for a peace deal or long-term ceasefire "as soon as possible," stressing that Ukraine's security is intertwined with global stability. He acknowledged the sensitive issue of territorial compromises, stating that only Ukraine can decide what terms it accepts.
North Korea's Involvement in the Conflict
In a related development, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un viewed sculptures for a memorial honouring soldiers who died in Ukraine. State media KCNA reported that Kim visited the Mansudae art studio to guide the creation of these sculptures, which he said would "convey forever the legendary feats" of North Korean troops.
Under a 2024 mutual defence pact with Russia, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, with over 6,000 reported killed, according to South Korean, Ukrainian, and western sources. Kim has repeatedly praised the troops' heroism and personally worked on memorials for the fallen.
As winter tightens its grip, Rutte's warning underscores the escalating humanitarian and strategic challenges facing Ukraine, with international support and diplomatic efforts becoming increasingly critical in the face of relentless Russian aggression.
