**Russia’s War Efforts in Ukraine: A Complex and Bloody Conflict**
The situation on the ground in Ukraine is chaotic, with Russia’s military efforts yielding both territorial gains and heavy losses. According to reports from open-source monitoring website DeepState, Russian forces have taken control of 556 square kilometers (215 square miles) in Ukraine last month – their largest land grab this year.
**Territorial Gains, but at What Cost?**
This significant gain is not without its drawbacks. Russia’s military advance remains slow and laborious, with troops struggling to break through Ukrainian defenses. At the current pace, it would take over 70 years for Russian forces to capture the entire country.
The majority of Russian attacks have been concentrated in three areas: the Sumy region, which borders Russia; the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka; and a third front west of Pokrovsk. While Russian troops managed to push 10-12 kilometers deep into the Sumy region, their advance has stalled due to fierce resistance.
**A Buffer Zone, but at What Cost?**
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that his goal is to create a buffer zone to protect Russian territory after Ukrainian forces captured Kursk last summer. However, this effort seems to be bogged down in fighting over small border villages, which continue to change hands even today.
Military observers believe that these operations are aimed at forcing Ukraine to spread its forces too thin along the entire 1,200-kilometer front line, thereby diverting troops from key areas.
**”Creeping Offensive”: A New Strategy?**
Russian tactics have shifted from massive assaults to smaller groups of infantry troops who relentlessly attack Ukrainian positions. This “creeping offensive” is aimed at exhausting Kyiv’s resources until endless waves of Russian soldiers eventually push the Ukrainians out of their positions.
However, this strategy comes with a steep price: Ukraine’s general staff puts Russia’s casualties at over 1,000 soldiers per day – a figure that cannot be independently verified but indicates heavy losses for Russia.
**Creating a “Cauldron”: A New Phase in the Conflict?**
Russian troops are now trying to create a semi-encircled “cauldron” around Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka, forcing Ukrainian forces to retreat. However, breakthroughs seem unlikely, as Russian advances have slowed down and earlier attempts to push from other sides have stalled.
**Drones: A New Threat on the Front Lines**
Russian drones are constantly attacking Ukrainian supply lines, cutting off essential routes for food, ammunition, and troop rotations. The use of drones like the Gerbera allows Russian forces to reach previously safe areas, erasing defense lines and terrorizing civilians.
Staff Sgt Viktor Pyasetskyi from Ukraine’s 93rd brigade stationed near Kostyantynivka told the BBC that it has become extremely complicated and slow to deliver essential supplies due to these drone attacks. The goal is not just to erase defense lines but also “to terrorize the population” and undermine morale.
**Conclusion**
The conflict in Ukraine remains complex, bloody, and unpredictable. While Russia’s military efforts yield territorial gains, they come at a high cost – heavy losses for Russian forces and increasing pressure on Ukrainian front lines.
As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the war on the ground in Ukraine is far from over.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
