Ukraine: EU Predicts a “Brutal” Winter and Rules Out Imminent Peace

In Paris on October 26, Kaja Kallas said recent diplomatic initiatives did not match Vladimir Putin’s actions and predicted a difficult winter for Ukraine, with no prospect of peace in the near term. Russia continues to strike Ukraine’s energy network with drones and missiles, while Volodymyr Zelensky has sought air-defense systems, missiles, interceptors, and ammunition. Defense ministers from the E5 group—France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and Italy—met at the French Armed Forces Ministry to discuss support for Ukraine. Catherine Vautrin said the countries would work together on arms production and the interoperability of their forces.