---

A year in which Ukraine tried all possible “formulas” to advance on the ground, but failed, finding itself caught between a bold yet fruitless gamble and faltering fronts hindered by equipment shortages and winter conditions.

• Second batch of F-16s to Ukraine… “The Allies’ Antidote” to Fortify the Sky

•  “Gripen”… Swedish Fighter Jet Faces its ‘Toughest Test’ in Ukraine

In 2024, Kyiv attempted to shift the battlefield dynamics and curb Russian advances with a surprise attack in the border region of Kursk.

However, even this audacious gamble, intended to force Moscow to redeploy units from eastern Ukraine, appears to have failed.

The battlefield was not the only arena where Kyiv maneuvered forcefully. It also played on multiple fronts to garner sympathy and secure continued military aid shipments from its allies.

• Russian Women Sending Their Husbands to Fight in Ukraine: What’s the Secret?

• Russia Accuses Ukraine of Arming Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

It repeatedly called for NATO membership, even on a partial basis, emphasizing that this step represented a security guarantee for itself, Europe, and the West as a whole.

This year also saw Ukraine achieve one of its most pressing demands: the U.S. green light to strike Russia with American weapons. Media reports revealed that the UK followed suit.

However, London did not confirm any of the circulating reports on this matter. Furthermore, the authorization did not yield the desired results for Kyiv. On the contrary, it provoked a Russian backlash in the form of an intercontinental ballistic missile targeting Ukrainian territory for the first time since the war began.

• Intercontinental Missile Warfare: Russia Launches a Ballistic Missile at Ukraine

• Russia and Ukraine Exchange Records in the Drone Warfare

This was not Kyiv’s last nightmare, as the year ended with Donald Trump‘s dramatic return to the White House, marking a sharp turning point in U.S. support for Ukraine.

Thus, Ukraine ends 2024 with a shaky outcome, a mix of steps and events that turned against it, bolstering Russia’s advantage on the ground and forcing it toward “concessions” that may pave the way for negotiations to salvage what remains of its fronts.

Kursk: The Turning Point

In August, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on Kursk, forcing thousands of Russian citizens to flee the border area.

• Ukraine War: Russian Advance Shifts the Balance of Power and a Target Bank Ahead of Winter

• Russia and Ukraine: Will the Third Winter Melt the “Ice of War”?

This offensive marked a turning point in the war, as it was the first time since the conflict began that Ukrainian forces penetrated Russian territory.

Initially, this incursion gave the impression that Kyiv might change the battlefield dynamics. However, despite seizing control of a few villages, the attack provided no real avenues for further advancement.

Later, in November, the Ukrainian army announced that it controlled 800 square kilometers of the region.

• Missile Defense: Iran or Russia? Ukraine Angered by Israel’s “Special Treatment”

• In Ukraine… A New Enemy Emerges, and Russia Bets on “Trench Warfare”

However, Moscow recently announced it had regained control of two villages in the Kursk region in southern Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its units “liberated the settlements of Darino and Plyukhovo during offensive operations.”

A Green Light in a “Red Zone”

Before leaving the White House, Joe Biden decided to lift restrictions that had prevented Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied weapons to strike deep into Russian territory.

Indeed, Ukraine used the American “ATACMS” missiles to strike Russian territory, benefiting from Biden‘s authorization.

• Zelensky’s Gamble in the Battle of Kursk: A “Heavy Cost” for Ukraine

• CNN reveals details of the deadliest Russian attack on Ukraine since the start of the war

This decision marked a major shift in U.S. policy. Until recently, the Biden administration had resisted allowing Kyiv to launch long-range American missiles on Russian territory, fearing that such actions could lead to direct confrontation with Moscow.

It seems that Biden, through this decision, aimed to give Kyiv one last gift before handing over the presidency to Donald Trump, who is strongly critical of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Some U.S. officials expressed doubts about whether these long-range strikes would change the course of the war. However, they believe the decision could help Ukraine at a time when Russian forces are making gains and place Kyiv in a better position if ceasefire negotiations begin.

• Reward for Ukraine and ‘sanctions’ on Russia: American messages to both sides of the war

• Attack « Disrupts » Power Supply in Ukraine and Targets Foreign Mercenaries’ Headquarters

When the Tsar Got Angry

The intercontinental ballistic missile fired by Russia at Ukraine was not merely a response directed at Kyiv but also carried messages to allies, particularly Washington.

The missile targeted the city of Dnipro early one morning in late November, marking an escalation after Kyiv launched long-range American missiles at Russia.

This was the first time Moscow had used such a weapon since the military operation began in 2022.

• Debt Cuts Lifeline: Will Germany Abandon Ukraine?

• “The Russian Hell” shakes Ukraine… Learn about the “Doomsday” bomb 

On Thursday, the Kremlin refused to comment on Kyiv’s accusations that Moscow had launched an intercontinental missile on its territory for the first time.

At that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed his warnings to Western countries, considering this authorization as “direct participation” of NATO in the Ukraine war.

Ukraine and NATO: Dream and Dilemma

Initially, Kyiv sought full NATO membership. However, faced with setbacks on the front lines, it adjusted its request by proposing a temporary exception for areas under Russian control.

• The Ukraine War drains Russian resources and affects its influence in the Mediterranean

• Russia’s “Victories” in Ukraine: 4 Reasons Behind the Progress

While this option may seem theoretically possible, reality raises a fundamental question: is there political will among NATO partners, especially the most influential member, the United States, to accept this request?

For Kyiv, full NATO membership remains the only guarantee of security and deterrence against Russia, but this may not reflect the stance of the alliance’s members.

A report by The Wall Street Journal cited sources close to Donald Trump suggesting he might consider “delaying Ukraine’s membership by 20 years.”

However, it remains unclear how the newly elected president will implement his announcement of “capability” to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

• Nighttime Drone War Between Russia and Ukraine Continues… Exchange of Fire

• Power Balance Shifts: American Atacms Missiles Open New Avenues for Ukraine Against Russia

Peace as a Lifeline

On December 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized his desire for “sustainable peace” for his country, following a meeting in Paris with Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump.

Although opposed to any concessions to Putin, Zelensky recently softened his stance amidst challenges faced by his army and concerns about waning Western support.

He proposed temporarily renouncing the recovery of territories controlled by Russia, about 20% of the country, in exchange for NATO security guarantees and Western arms supplies.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin accuses Zelensky of refusing to negotiate and insists on the recognition of “realities on the ground.”

• Her fingers to Ukraine… Russia announces new evidence regarding the hall attack

• Putin Ready for Nuclear War: His Stance on US Forces in Ukraine

• Accusations of mutual attacks between Russia and Ukraine as the New Year begins