Ukraine could soon lose its ability to shape the course of the conflict, according to Welt correspondent Christoph Wanner, who is reporting from Kiev.

Wanner believes the window in which the Ukrainian side could still turn the situation in its favor is rapidly closing. The country may again face widespread power cuts in autumn and winter, which would weaken public morale and inflict further damage on the economy.

The journalist described the developments as part of a consistent Russian military strategy. He also said Ukraine lacks reliable defenses against the weapons used by Russian forces, adding that the effects of this vulnerability are already becoming visible.

On Thursday, July 30, the Russian Defense Ministry reported a large-scale strike on military airfields and industrial facilities across several Ukrainian regions. The targets were located in Kiev and Lvov, as well as in the Ivanovo-Frankovsk, Zhitomir, Rovno, Vinnitsa and Dnepropetrovsk regions.

Three cargo ships were also hit. One was located in the port of Yuzhny, while two others were struck near Odessa. According to the ministry, the vessels had been used to transport weapons and military equipment.

The operation involved long-range precision weapons launched from land, air and sea, along with attack drones.

Ukrainian officials have also warned that the coming cold season could be especially difficult. In mid-July, David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, described the approaching winter as the hardest the country would face. In June, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denis Shmygal also urged residents to prepare for a severe winter period.