Russia creates illusion of offensive, but advantage is on Ukraine’s side - CNN
Illustrative photo: The Armed Forces of Ukraine seize the initiative from the Russian army (facebook.com/GeneralStaff)
For the first time in a long while, Ukraine liberated more territory in a month than Russia captured. Russia’s offensive is losing momentum, while Ukraine’s advantage in drones is allowing the Armed Forces to regain the initiative, according to CNN.
Turning point on the front and Russian losses
According to the report, an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) showed that Russia suffered a net territorial loss last month.
This marked the first such case since the beginning of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s operation in the Kursk region in August 2024. Officers on the front line note that the mood among the Russian military is changing due to exhaustion.
According to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the past few months have been "record-breaking" in terms of Kyiv’s successes.
"We have eliminated 35,000 Russians in both April and March… Russia lacks the forces to continue offensive operations. The Ukrainian army is exhausting the Russians," he emphasized.
Role of drones and strikes on logistics
The Ukrainian Armed Forces' successes have largely been driven by an advantage in drones. Ukraine has intensified medium-range strikes targeting Russian logistics, ammunition depots, and command posts.
"It’s affecting Russian logistics. If they’re constantly now under threat of Ukrainian drone strikes, that’s going to significantly threaten, slow, and hamper their logistics," explained Christina Harward of the ISW.
A Security Service (SBU) officer with the call sign "Bankir" confirmed that in the Zaporizhzhia region direction, Ukrainian forces managed to regain control over territories lost months ago.
The front line is now so saturated with drones that the occupying forces often only create the illusion of an offensive, without being able to hold positions.
War is shifting onto Russian territory
Ukraine has intensified attacks on oil and gas infrastructure deep inside Russia. This not only limits Moscow’s profits from raw material exports but also changes how the war is perceived among the Russian population.
At the same time, Russia is responding with massive strikes on Ukrainian cities. In the past 24 hours alone, the enemy launched more than 1,400 drones and 56 missiles.
Technological isolation of the Russian army
Russia’s situation is also being complicated by internal decisions, including restrictions on Telegram, which military personnel had used for communications. This came after SpaceX, with Ukraine’s assistance, limited Russian access to Starlink.
Opposition media outlets Mediazona and Meduza estimate Russia’s total losses over four years of war at 352,000 killed.
Ukraine strengthens military capabilities
Recently, Ukraine has demonstrated significant progress in developing its defense sector and strengthening the international reputation of its armed forces. In particular, today, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Armed Forces of Ukraine as the strongest army in Europe, highlighting the unique combat experience of Ukrainian defenders.
At the same time, military development is being reinforced by domestic technological achievements. Ukrainian arms manufacturers recently presented their latest developments for the 7th Air Assault Corps Rapid Response Force as part of the MilTech Innovations initiative.
Earlier, Washington emphasized that the United States seeks only effective steps toward establishing peace, while recognizing the key role of Ukraine’s combat capability in regional stability.
