‘Russia has captured more territory this year than Ukraine has liberated’ – The New York Times

The New York Times has published an article with the headline “Who’s Making Progress in Ukraine? No One This Year.”

The publication notes that both sides have launched “ambitious offensives”: 

Russia attempted to seize the entire Donbas region, while Ukraine aimed to split the Russian group in the south. However, “none of the offensives went according to plan,” the front line “hardly budged,” and a breakthrough now “seems harder than ever.”

“Despite nine months of bloody fighting, less than 500 square miles (1,295 square kilometers) of territory have changed hands since the beginning of the year. The prolonged stalemate could weaken Western support for Ukraine,” writes the American publication.

Overall, since the beginning of the year, Russia has gained more territory in the east (533 sq. km) than Ukraine has liberated in the south (230 sq. km).

“The numerical strength of Russian forces on the battlefield is nearly three times that of Ukraine, and considering a larger population that can replenish its ranks, Russia can view a protracted defense as serving its interests,” the publication states.

However, the protracted stalemate on the front lines poses risks to the Western support for Ukraine.

“Russia is trying to wait until the West turns away,” believes Marina Miron, a postdoctoral researcher in military studies at King’s College London.