Russia's invasion stalls as Ukraine takes initiative with deep drone strikes
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ukraine has seized the initiative in the war by launching drone attacks deep into Russian territory.
- Russia captured only 14 square kilometers in May, indicating a stalled offensive, according to Estonian intelligence.
- Russia is reportedly struggling to replace its significant daily troop losses, exceeding 1,200 soldiers.
Ukraine appears to have gained the upper hand in the ongoing conflict, launching drone strikes that penetrate deep into Russian territory. This strategic shift suggests a change in the war's momentum, with Ukraine taking the offensive initiative.
Estonian intelligence chief Colonel Ants Kiviselg reported that Russia's territorial gains in May were minimal, amounting to only 14 square kilometers. This stagnation on the front lines contrasts sharply with Russia's initial full-scale invasion aims. The report highlights that Russia's powerful empire is currently stalled, fighting an under-resourced opponent more than four years after launching its full-scale assault.
Furthermore, Russia is reportedly facing significant challenges in sustaining its military operations. The country is losing over 1,200 soldiers daily and is unable to compensate for these losses through new recruitment efforts. Meanwhile, targets within Russia, including oil refineries and military industry sites, have been subjected to frequent nighttime attacks, evidenced by smoke plumes seen rising from facilities in cities like St. Petersburg.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.