Zelensky sounds winter warning as Russia ramps up attacks

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky is warning Ukrainians to prepare for another winter of war as Russia ramps up its attacks in recent weeks. 

“We are almost halfway through November, and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure,” Zelensky said in a Sunday video address.

“Russia is preparing for winter. And in Ukraine, all our attention should be focused on defense, on response to terrorists, on everything Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through this winter and to increase the capabilities of our troops,” he continued.

He urged Ukrainians to unite and thanked countries who have provided air defenses.

Continued U.S. support, however, is currently up for debate, as congressional Republicans have become divided on whether to approve more aid to Ukraine. 

“And I urge all Ukrainians, all those whose voice is heard in the world, our journalists, all those who support Ukraine in the world, to help boost the defense. To help! We are capable of overcoming the most difficult challenges,” Zelensky said. 

Russia has ramped up its attacks on Eastern Ukraine in an effort to gain ground near two front-line cities, The Associated Press reports. The head of Ukraine’s ground forces, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, wrote on Telegram that Moscow’s troops were trying to regain territory by Bakhmut, according to the AP. 

“Toward Bakhmut, the Russians have become more active and are trying to recapture previously lost positions. … Enemy attacks are being repelled,” Syrskyi wrote Sunday afternoon.