Russian troop advancements in eastern Ukraine mark 27 months of conflict

New Delhi, Apr 29: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russian forces making strategic advances along the eastern front. Despite international support for Ukraine's defence efforts, including significant military aid from the United States, the situation remains volatile.

Russian forces are making gains in multiple locations along the eastern front in Ukraine, marking a renewed urgency for Ukraine’s procurement of ammunition and weaponry from the United States and its allies.

This Russian troop's advancement, including the first in several months in the northern Kharkiv region, highlights the evolving dynamics on the frontline battlefield since the fall of Avdiivka in February 2024.

Even though Russia's territorial gains are described as modest – ranging from a few hundred meters to a kilometre at most – the frequency of these advances across several locations simultaneously is worrying Ukraine and her allies.

Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has acknowledged the worsening situation on the frontline due to multiple Russian offensives, necessitating the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from positions in the eastern Donetsk region.

The recent leadership military change within Ukraine's armed forces, with Gen Syrskyi assuming the role of commander-in-chief, reflects the evolving dynamics of the conflict.

The strategic manoeuvres by Russian troops aim to exploit their manpower and artillery superiority before Ukrainian forces receive much-needed supplies of new weaponry from the United States.

Recently, a US $61 billion military aid package has been approved by the US, and the delivery of these weapons to the frontlines has yet to materialise, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops, including shortages of ammunition, personnel, and air defences.

Despite months of political hurdles, the US remains committed to bolstering Ukraine's defence capabilities, as evidenced by the expedited deployment of Patriot air defence missiles and artillery ammunition.

In response to the escalating situation, Ukrainian forces have adapted their defensive positions, conceding some territory to the advancing Russians while reinforcing new defensive lines further westward.

Simultaneously, Russia's advances extend beyond the Donetsk region, with significant gains reported in the industrial town of Krasnohorivka and neighbouring areas. This heightened activity suggests a broader strategic initiative by Moscow, potentially laying the groundwork for a major offensive in the coming months.

Western analysts and Ukrainian officials anticipate further setbacks for Ukraine in the short term, particularly as Russia seeks to capitalise on its ammunition advantage before US additional supplies become functional on the frontline.

Russian forces began their full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Since then, Western officials estimate that hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, millions of Ukrainians have fled and the country has sustained tens of billions of dollars worth of damage. As for the nuclear plants, during the conflict, danger there have been concerns about the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities.

In particular, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear power facility, has been subject to security threats due to its proximity to the conflict zone. However, there have been no reports of significant damage to nuclear plants themselves.

The conflict has had direct effects on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and power supply. Disruption of infrastructure, including power lines and substations, due to military activities and sabotage, has occasionally led to power outages in parts of Ukraine.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been ongoing since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and escalated its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Throughout this period, Ukraine has received support from various Western countries, including the United States, European Union member states, Canada, and others. This support has included diplomatic backing, economic sanctions against Russia, and military aid.

Russia has received political and military support from countries like Belarus and, to some extent, China. Additionally, Russia has maintained alliances with some non-Western countries and organizations sympathetic to its actions in Ukraine. However, the level of support varies among these nations, and not all of them have provided direct military assistance to Russia in the conflict.