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Russia's bleeding worsens... but calling it 'losing' to Ukraine is a misjudgment

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • Recent reports suggest Ukraine is turning the tide of the war, with drone attacks on Russian territory and increased casualties for Russia.
  • While Ukraine has regained territory and its missile and drone development is yielding results, Russia's advances in Donbas and intensified air raids pose challenges.
  • Despite Ukraine's successes, the war remains a war of attrition, with both sides exaggerating their achievements and downplaying their losses, making a definitive turning point uncertain.

Recent Western media reports suggest Ukraine is gaining the upper hand in the war, with its drone attacks targeting Russian military and industrial facilities deep within its territory. These strikes have reportedly disrupted Russia's oil exports, leading to potential domestic discontent. Former President Donald Trump, who had previously pressured Ukraine for concessions, has reportedly acknowledged Ukraine's offensive capabilities and expressed willingness to increase support.

Ukraine's military success reveals the inevitability of Russia's victory is an illusion.

โ€” Atlantic CouncilAnalysis from the US think tank on April 1.

However, the situation is complex. While Ukraine has regained territory since February and its missile and drone technology is showing results, Russia continues its offensive in the Donbas region, capturing strategic locations. Russia's air raids have also intensified, straining Ukraine's air defense systems.

Ukraine is turning the tables.

โ€” Financial TimesAnalysis from May 28.

Reports indicate that Russia has suffered significant casualties, with some estimates suggesting up to 500,000 Russian casualties and a casualty ratio of 8:1 compared to Ukraine. Russia's oil refining capacity has also been impacted, with some reports calling it the most severe oil supply disruption in its modern history. Despite these setbacks, Russia has continued to make incremental territorial gains.

A turning point in Ukraine.

โ€” Council on Foreign RelationsAnalysis from June 6.

Analysts caution against declaring a definitive turning point. The war is fundamentally a war of attrition, and both sides engage in propaganda, inflating their successes and minimizing their losses. While Russia's advance has slowed, it has not stopped, and the capture of key areas in Donbas could still be a strategic objective for Moscow. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of escalation and the need for careful observation.

As the tide turns against Putin, beware of the drowning man.

โ€” Foreign PolicyAnalysis from June 26.
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Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.