For the first time in nearly three years of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the initiative in the conflict has shifted in Ukraine's favor.
That is according to The Economist, Ukrinform reports.
After enduring a harsh winter during which Ukrainian cities and the energy system were subjected to almost nightly mass attacks by Russian drones and missiles, Ukraine is now changing the situation on the battlefield. According to the magazine, Ukraine is imposing increasing costs on Russia across almost all indicators.
The article notes that the anticipated Russian spring offensive not only failed but that in April Russian forces recorded a net territorial loss for the first time since August 2024.
Read also: Ukraine intensifies strikes on Russia, complicating its ability to conduct offensives – ISW
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recently identified several factors contributing to Ukraine's progress, including ground counterattacks and medium-range strikes by Ukrainian forces, the cessation of Russia's illegal use of Starlink terminals in Ukraine, and the Kremlin's restrictive measures against the Telegram messenger service within Russia.
Based on calculations derived from ISW maps, The Economist estimates that Russia has lost control of 113 square kilometers over the past 30 days.
The publication also notes that Russian troop losses, which currently amount to approximately 35,000 per month, are exceeding the pace at which Russia is able to recruit personnel for the war.
In addition, the magazine reported that Russia was experiencing increasing losses from Ukrainian medium-range drone strikes (with a range of 50 to 300 kilometers), even away from the front line.
According to the article, Ukraine has also expanded the scale, range, and intensity of its deep strikes into Russian territory. It added that in March, Ukraine reportedly surpassed Russia in the number of long-range drone attacks, with economic and military targets located nearly 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border regularly coming under strike.
Photo: 22nd Mechanized Brigade