The front lines in Ukraine once hopeful for a summer breakthrough, now paint a grim picture of a harsh winter with a resurgent Russia and escalating losses for Kyiv.
Ihor, a commander in the 15th National Guard, humorously reflects on the initial optimism of the plan but is quickly drawn back to reality in a command post in Orikhiv, southern Ukraine. Panicked noises interrupt the conversation as a Russian drone strikes a gas fuel tank used for heating in a trench near Russian positions, resulting in a soldier’s injury.
Amidst the chaos, Ihor coordinates the evacuation, but the lack of transport hampers the process. Frustration sets in as he can only wait for updates in silence. Tragically, minutes later, the soldier is reported dead.
“It’s over,” Ihor informs his men, acknowledging the grim reality. The body of Sergei, aged 48, will be collected after dark for safety. front lines in Ukraine
The toll is heavy, with four Ukrainian soldiers killed on that day and approximately 50 in the week in that specific area alone, according to a Ukrainian official in the region. The situation exemplifies the challenging winter ahead for Ukraine, marked by a Russian resurgence and mounting casualties.
“Every casualty makes a difference,” said Ihor. “It affects everyone’s morale. It is very painful for me.”
The winter fight is beyond bleak. North of Robotyne, where fierce fighting raged months ago, Ukrainian drones are outnumbered by Russian ones, with 40 of the latter hitting one Ukrainian trench network in a day recently.
The Ukrainians face relentless waves of Russian convict recruits, properly trained and equipped, backed by armor, and often – they believe – given a mix of drugs to bolster their attack. Ukrainian soldiers showed CNN drone footage of an injured Russian, his legs severed, yet a ghoulish smile on his face, seemingly oblivious to the pain.