Russia’s Daily Advances on Multiple Fronts Threaten Ukrainian Defense, Critics Accuse Army Spokespersons of Inaccurate Updates

Russia’s military forces have made significant gains in multiple locations along the eastern front of Ukraine, including for the first time in months in northern Kharkiv region, following a change in tempo on the battlefield after Russia seized Avdiivka town. According to monitoring group DeepState and Ukrainian bloggers, Russian troops are now making daily advances that may be modest but have been taking place simultaneously at several locations along approximately 20-25 km of frontline over a period of one day. While losses on the battlefield incurred by Ukraine are being accompanied by increased criticism from within its armed forces regarding official updates, DeepState has accused military spokespersons of presenting an unrealistic picture to national television that does not accurately reflect reality as Russian soldiers move around small settlements under control while heavy fighting continues. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have described the situation in Kharkiv region further north as “significantly more active” over recent days with Russia making gains into Kyslivka village after a relative stability since Ukraine recaptured significant territory there last summer. Russian forces are also reportedly entering industrial town of Krasnohorivka from both south and east, including the brick factory area where fierce fighting has been witnessed in recent times. Western analysts believe that Russia’s current tempo is likely to lead to major strategic defeats for Ukraine after Ukrainian officials failed clarify the numbers of fresh recruits it urgently requires while Moscow continues increasing its manpower advantage by around 20-30,000 soldiers a month according to Rob Lee from Foreign Policy Research Institute. The US has given approval to send arms and ammunition which are expected soon; however, there is likely to be more short term setbacks for Ukraine as it waits for the supplies to arrive at frontlines while Russian forces continue making significant tactical gains in coming weeks without major strategic defeats according to the Institute of Study War.