Ukraine struggles as Russia gains ground, forcing mass evacuations
Ukraine has struggled for many months with a lack of ammunition and new weapons supplies from the West. The situation is further complicated by a shortage of new soldiers who could join the fight against the invader. The Russian army has taken advantage of this situation. According to information from The Washington Post, Russians have captured more territory this year than Ukraine liberated last year.
4:39 PM EDT, May 17, 2024
According to The Washington Post, Ukrainian forces reclaimed 199 square miles of territory from June to December last year. Meanwhile, Russian forces have taken control of 294 square miles since the beginning of April this year.
The American newspaper emphasizes that Russia was able to move its forces forward, attacking many points along the 600-mile front line, while Ukrainian forces were waiting for reinforcements and supplies.
Recently, the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine forced thousands of people to leave their homes. Some evacuees claim that this year's attack was even more intense than last year's. Russian forces have also managed to capture territories further south.
Seemingly small gains
Analysts believe that although Russia's territorial gains are relatively small, they are significant. They cause the Ukrainian military to face pressure over a large area.
Russia's offensive means that Kyiv will be forced to move its forces to different locations, especially to the north, said Gian Gentile, a historian at the American think tank Rand Corporation. In his opinion, this could make it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to prepare their own offensive.
