Kyiv (Washington Insider Magazine)- Ukrainian forces have earned gains in recent days. They have recaptured territory in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region that is located in eastern Ukraine. However, Russian forces are still successful in capturing a fifth of the country. So who is winning the war in Ukraine? Let’s find an answer to this question in this article.
How Has The Conflict In The Ukraine War Changed?
Russia has invaded Ukraine since 24 February. It has been surrounding the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and has also launched attacks on many other parts of the country.
In early April, Ukrainian forces were able to retake some large areas around Kyiv. Russia abandoned its push toward the capital and this made Ukraine capture the major part of the country once again. Russia has been focusing its military operations in the cities of south, east, and north-east of Ukraine, and has been seizing large areas. Things have changed dramatically ever since September started.
In a decisive offensive, Ukraine drove back the Russian forces. The countries have managed to regain 3,000 square kilometers of the territory around the city of Kharkiv alone. They have retaken territory in Luhansk, as the region has been occupied by Russia entirely.
In total, Ukraine has retaken more than 8,000 sq km (3,088 sq miles) from Russian control. These are the most significant territorial that they have gained since the war started. The cities of Izyum and Kupiansk have kept the key supply hubs for the Russian forces. This represents the strategic gains.
Ukrainian counter-attack also made a lot of impact in the Kherson region which is located in the south of the country.The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has revealed that the Ukrainian troops are going to inflict a “major operational defeat” and this could be a serious threat to the Russian forces. The Russian withdrawal was also the most dramatic reverse since the Russians retreated from Kyiv in April.
How Has Russia Responded?
Russia confirmed that the forces retreated from Izyum and Kupiansk. It also said that there was a strategic withdrawal to “regroup”. The country will continue to target these areas with military strikes. The Russian army has also appeared to have abandoned large quantities of equipment and ammunition which will play an important role in the withdrawal.
Read More: Why Is Putin At War With Ukraine?
How Much Territory Has Russia Occupied?
Russia holds about 20% of Ukraine. The areas are situated largely in the eastern Donbas region and the south of mainland Ukraine. Russia has also occupied the Crimea peninsula which they annexed in 2014. The Donbas is an area that is considered to be one of the most popular Russian-speaking areas.
Russia seized Crimea in 2014, and the pro-Russian forces have captured a lot of percentage of the region. It created some small people’s republics there. Areas located in the West country, including Lviv, are experiencing missile attacks and will be making any attempt by Russian forces that will occupy the ground.
What Does Russia Want?
Russia has refused to recognize its invasion as war and has revealed that it will be undertaking a “special military operation” in Ukraine. The operations would continue until it leads to the tasks originally set. After the launch of the invasion in February, President Vladimir Putin said that his goal is to “demilitarise Ukraine”. Russia’s initial aim was also to overrun Ukraine and collapse its government. The country has not limited its ambitions and is aiming to secure land in Ukraine’s east and south.
What Does Ukraine Want?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that the main goal is to drive all Russian troops out. They will de-occupy the whole territory and the President has appealed that more funding and equipment will be retaining the areas. Western shipments of weaponry will also be used heavily by the Ukrainian forces.
How Many People Have Dies?
Both sides have suffered losses, but the countries have not published the exact numbers of deaths. Ukraine has claimed that it has killed more than 50,000 Russian troops, and it lost nearly 9,000 military personnel.
Russia also revealed its recent death count and told that 1,351 Russian soldiers had died since the invasion began. In July, US officials estimated that 15,000 Russian soldiers had died. Civilians have also died since the United Nations corroborated more than 5,700 deaths. It is also said that the actual number might be considerably higher and is still unknown. The countries have not revealed the actual number of losses that they have faced to date.
