Ukraine is facing a critical need to strengthen its infantry and armament to alter the current dynamics on the battlefield. Military sources from NATO and independent analysts indicate that Kyiv must mobilize at least 250,000 additional troops and acquire more advanced weaponry.
According to NATO assessments, Russia is capable of maintaining its current level of combat intensity for at least another year. Reports suggest that Ukraine is outnumbered by Russian forces in terms of both troop strength and weaponry across most frontline areas, particularly near the cities of Lyman and Siversk.
Analysts warn that if Russian troops continue advancing near Hulyaipole, the major regional center of Zaporizhzhia could fall within the strike range of FPV drones, posing a threat similar to that faced by Kherson, where thousands of civilians have already been killed.
A Ukrainian officer in Pokrovsk stated that Russian forces hold a significant advantage in aviation and tactical ballistic missiles, enabling them to effectively target logistical and command nodes using guided bombs.
Nick Reynolds, a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, believes that Russian troops are gradually making gains, particularly due to the strategic significance of the so-called “fortress belt” of cities in Donbas, where the terrain favors the controlling side.
British defense sources estimate that an optimistic scenario for Moscow envisions around 18 more months of conflict, with hundreds of thousands of additional casualties required to capture the remainder of Donbas. In a more pessimistic scenario, the conflict could extend up to four years, resulting in millions of losses.
Experts also note that Russia appears prepared to continue compensating for losses through substantial reserves of manpower, with the Kremlin showing no willingness to compromise in negotiations.
Ukraine is under pressure to significantly enhance its military capabilities as it faces ongoing challenges from Russian forces. With critical assessments from NATO and independent analysts, the situation highlights the urgent need for additional troops and advanced weaponry to shift the balance on the battlefield.