Mud, drones, losses: this causes problems for Ukraine at the front

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The hoped-for breakthrough of the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the summer did not materialize. “The plan was good on paper, but we forgot the trenches,” Ukrainian commander Ihor told CNN. Because: Russia has been increasing its attacks for two months. When Ihor’s radio comes on, the voices of soldiers in distress can be heard. But he has no vehicles to come to the rescue.

The number of casualties on both sides is high. “Every death makes a difference,” Ihor explains. And: “That affects everyone’s morale. This is very painful for me.” There are also unscrupulous convicts in the ranks of the Russian army. They are well trained and equipped. In addition, the Ukrainians suspect that the soldiers are fighting under the influence of drugs. Drone footage shows a Russian soldier grinning and crawling out of a trench without legs after an explosion.

The number of soldiers Russia sends to the front is considerable. The death toll is also high as there have been repeated reports of Russian generals sending soldiers into battle without taking losses into account. But: “Sometimes they are successful,” the commander told CNN.

The Russian army now has many drones

Another problem is the many drones. “There are colossal changes taking place,” says Ihor. “The Russians have started building their own attack drones. They surpass ours. But they use them poorly, as children’s toys,” he says. At least: Ukraine can partially intercept the swarms. Recently, 40 drones came online in Ukraine at the same time.

The season is also becoming increasingly challenging for Ukraine. In winter, soldiers get their vehicles stuck in the mud or stand up to their knees in mud. The phenomenon is called “rasputitsa”. Last year, Ukraine benefited from the fact that Russian soldiers had to contend with the weather. But this year they are in the attacking position and not making any progress.

Avdiivka is hotly contested

Heavy fighting has been going on in the frontline town of Avdiivka for months. “So far no one is willing to withdraw,” says a Ukrainian journalist currently fighting there. The Ukrainians protect the old city with Bradley tanks and Javelin missiles, while small villages around Avdiivka are captured by the enemies, writes the “Frankfurter Rundschau”.

One thing is clear: since there is currently a lack of arms supplies from the West, the situation at the front remains hopeless. Commander Ihor knows: “We cannot survive without support.” (jwg)

Source: Blick