(MENAFN) Former NATO Military Committee Chair and Czech President Petr Pavel has warned that Ukraine may only have one opportunity to launch a large-scale military push against Russian forces, as the United States is expected to shift its focus towards domestic issues next year. Pavel has stated that Ukraine may struggle to receive funding for continued military action after next winter, and could face difficulty obtaining funds for future attempts if their initial push fails.

Pavel, a retired general with significant military experience, has predicted that US interest in aiding the Ukrainian army will likely diminish following the 2024 presidential campaign, with US-China relations expected to dominate foreign policy. Additionally, European nations may also reduce their funding of Ukraine. Therefore, the current year may represent a "window of opportunity" for Ukraine to conduct a major counter-offensive against Russian forces.

While it will be up to Ukraine to decide what constitutes victory over Russia, Pavel has expressed confidence that Ukraine will ultimately be successful. However, in the event that Ukraine fails despite Western support, Pavel predicts a prolonged "war of attrition".

The warning from Pavel underscores the significant challenges facing Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, and highlights the importance of securing sufficient international support to maintain military operations. As the political landscape shifts in the United States and Europe, Ukraine may need to carefully consider its strategic options and priorities to effectively confront Russian aggression.

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