Russian Forces Claim Victory, But Suffer High Losses
The Russian military claims to have won a significant victory in the war with Ukraine. However, their gains come at a high cost. They have lost 1,345 soldiers per day and over 200 tanks and 650 armored cars since October.
In recent days, Russian forces made some progress near the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast. But they also suffered heavy losses in other areas, including Kupiansk. According to a US-based think tank, these gains are not sustainable for Russia.
The Institute for Study of War (ISW) says that Russia’s dwindling stocks of Soviet-era tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles are a major problem. It will be difficult for Russia to replace the soldiers it has lost without calling up more troops. This could put a strain on Russia’s already stretched workforce.
Ukrainian forces are also struggling. A Ukrainian commander said that Russian forces were using “disproportionate” force to gain small advantages, with heavy losses in men and equipment.
Despite these challenges, the Russians continue to push forward. They have made some gains near the towns of Kucherivka and Krulhiakivka, and are trying to drive Ukrainian forces off the east bank of the Oskil River.
The Russian military has also launched an attack on the E-50 highway and a southern rail line connecting Pokrovsk with Donetsk. However, it is not clear how many casualties or vehicle losses Russia has suffered in these areas.
In the south of Kurakhove, Russian forces have made significant advances. They are pushing towards a vital logistics route that connects the area to the rest of Ukraine’s defensive line. If they continue to advance, it could make it harder for Ukrainian forces to defend themselves and even threaten their ability to retreat.
The ISW was unable to confirm some Russian claims about gains near the towns of Maksymivka and Bohoyavlenka. However, an open-source analyst has geolocated evidence of Russian advances in these areas.