Russia Intensifying Offensive Against Ukraine Before Trump’s 50-Day Clock Runs Out

Russia is intensifying its offensive against Ukraine and likely preparing for a major push before United States President Donald Trump’s 50-day clock runs out, analysts said July 17.

Fifty days or else: Mr. Trump said Monday that he was pursuing a new policy toward Russia’s war, which includes supplying Ukraine with advanced U.S. weaponry. He said if Russia doesn’t reach a ceasefire within 50 days, then he may place 100 percent secondary tariffs on countries that do business with Russia. This would deal a major blow to Russia’s oil industry and could rapidly dry up war funding.

Redeeming the time: Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be making the most of that allotted time. Putin’s forces were already carrying out a summer offensive, taking over 400 square kilometers (155 square miles) of Ukrainian territory since May. But now this push is intensifying. “Russians are throwing everything they have at the eastern front right now,” journalist Caolan Robertson wrote.

• Nearly 700,000 Russian troops are deployed in Ukraine.
• Unlike earlier chapters of the war, the Russians are pushing all across the front line, rather than focusing on certain areas.
• They could soon close in on Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka—both key logistics hubs.
• Russia is reportedly amassing 160,000 soldiers at a key location near the front line, which indicates a major push may soon occur.
• In June, Ukraine suffered the highest number of civilian casualties of any month since the war began, with 232 civilians killed and 1,343 wounded.

If Russian forces maintain or increase current intensity levels for the remaining 45 days of Mr. Trump’s countdown, they could capture some key territory. This could significantly improve Russia’s negotiation position by the time the deadline arrives.

It’s also possible Russia is unconcerned about President Trump’s deadline, particularly since he has extended such targets several times in recent months. In either case, the war is intensifying, exacerbating the suffering on both sides.

Putin persists: As Russia’s war on Ukraine reaches the three-and-a-half year mark with staggering losses on both sides, Putin appears unfazed in his determination to conquer the nation. To understand his biblically prophesied significance, order your free copy of The Prophesied ‘Prince of Russia.’