Ukraine launches Donetsk offensive amid major budget deficit warnings

Ukrainian forces have launched a new offensive in the Donetsk region, known as the ‘Vivaldi’ campaign. According to high-ranking commander Andrii Biletskyi, Ukrainian troops have reclaimed approximately 10 square kilometers of territory within a 75 square kilometer area in northern Donetsk. This operation aims to disrupt enemy logistics and has resulted in the full control of the village of Serednie, located near the strategic defense belt of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Simultaneously, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the government must prepare to implement difficult and potentially unpopular decisions to address a massive national budget deficit. The deficit, driven largely by military spending, is estimated at approximately 23 billion euros (26.5 billion USD). Zelensky indicated that seven specific bills are being considered to bridge this gap, emphasizing that these measures are essential to maintain national defense and economic resilience amidst ongoing conflict and fluctuating international aid.