Russian Forces Advance in Southern Ukraine Amid Drone Dominance and Ukrainian Troop Shortages
KYIV,Ukraine – Ukrainian forces have retreated approximately ten kilometers along the southern front following a sustained Russian offensive characterized by intense artillery fire - around 2,000 shells - and widespread drone deployment. The Russian military is focusing its efforts on capturing the town of Hulyajpole and severing supply routes leading north to Pokrovske in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which is regularly targeted by Russian drones and glide bombs.
Military observers have reported a Russian breakthrough in the area, with Moscow claiming the capture of several locations. This advance is attributed to a growing shortage of Ukrainian soldiers and a important Russian advantage in drone technology.
The situation is compounded by a surge in desertions and unauthorized absences within the Ukrainian armed forces. Over 20,000 cases were registered with the public prosecutor’s office in October alone, with the actual number believed to be considerably higher. Reports of forced recruitment attempts in Ukrainian-controlled territory are also circulating on social media, frequently enough met with resistance. While Kyiv is reportedly capable of drafting up to 30,000 new soldiers monthly, maintaining troop levels remains a critical challenge.
Ukraine currently maintains an army of approximately one million personnel, but only around 200,000 are deployed along the 1,200-kilometer front line. In contrast, Russia is estimated to have between 600,000 and 700,000 soldiers deployed in Ukraine, though the exact number engaged directly in frontline combat is unknown. The Kremlin has avoided a full mobilization thus far, reportedly relying on considerable monetary incentives to sustain its forces.
This retreat marks a continuation of the slow but steady Ukrainian losses in the eastern regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk, as Ukraine enters its fourth year resisting the Russian invasion.
Source: ntv.de, sgu/dpa
