Russian advances slowing, front becomes 'dead zone': Is there a battlefield turning point?

Russian advances in Ukraine are reportedly slowing, with the front lines increasingly resembling a "dead zone" due to the pervasive use of drones. This shift suggests a potential turning point in the conflict, as Russia struggles to launch large-scale offensive operations.

Analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates that Russian forces lost more territory in Ukraine during April and May than they gained. While these territorial shifts are minor, they highlight the growing challenges faced by the Russian military. Military expert Aleksandr Khramchikh told AFP that Russian advances are "extremely slow." The widespread use of drones has created a "dead zone" on both sides of the front, making rapid progress difficult unless Ukrainian resources are completely depleted.

Instead of broad advances, Russia has focused on capturing key Ukrainian strongholds like Kostyantynivka. Its stated war aims have also narrowed; President Vladimir Putin, who previously declared "all of Ukraine" as a target, now states the sole objective is to seize the eastern Donbas regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of its neighbor, including Crimea, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, and significant portions of the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

Ukraine, while benefiting from Russia's difficulties, faces its own obstacles. The country has scaled back its war aims, no longer insisting on reclaiming its post-Soviet borders or even those from 2022. Its current objective is to freeze the conflict along the existing front lines. The effectiveness of Russian infiltration tactics, involving small groups of soldiers securing key positions, remains to be seen, though it has seen some success, such as during the capture of the logistical center of Pokrovsk.

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Naposljetku, ukrajinske snage su u međuvremenu "uglavnom zaustavile" rusku proljetno-ljetnu ofenzivu