A report in Reuters this week suggests that Ukraine is being worn down by a persistent Russia, its larger army and disregard for its own soldiers' lives. The situation is exacerbated by American hesitation and falling numbers of Ukrainian soldiers. While recent Russian territorial gains remain slight, there are signs of trouble for Ukraine.
Falling numbers
Ukraine has been losing numbers at the front: due to the death toll, injury and illness (made worse by tough winter conditions), as well as old age. The report quotes a Ukrainian source as estimating that "60-70%" of the source's brigade were still active. The report estimates that Russian is currently deploying around 1.3 million soldiers (including 170 000 fresh recruits) to Ukraine's 800 000.
Meat-grinder tactics
The report quotes a commander in the 59th Brigade anonymously, who described Russian tactics as "meat assaults". "Relentless attacks" are being made by small groups of Russian soldiers who attempt to move forward several times a day. The Russian soldiers involved are highly exposed but the tactic is slowly draining Ukrainian resources and lives.
American dilly-dallying
The Ukrainians have started to notice the lack of foreign ammunition just as the US hesitation is broadly impacting the war effort. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has been reported as believing Congress will finally approve the latest package of support for Ukraine. However, “The fact that the US has not been able to make a decision so far has already had consequences. It is impacting the flow of support,” he said.
Sources: Reuters, rp.pl, The Guardian
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