KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – The frontline in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict has extended to nearly 1,250 kilometers (800 miles), intensifying the strain on Kyiv's defenses. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's top military commander, reported that Russian forces have adopted a new tactic of deploying swarms of small assault groups to infiltrate Ukrainian lines, leading to an increased rate of combat engagements averaging between 160 and 190 daily. Over the past year, the line of contact has expanded by approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles).
Since the summer, Russian strategy has transitioned from large-scale offensives, which were costly in terms of personnel and resources, to a novel approach characterized by small assault teams. This tactic, which Syrskyi referred to as the “thousand cuts” strategy, aims to disrupt supply lines and troop movements within Ukrainian territory. However, these small groups often find themselves encircled and isolated by Ukrainian forces.
Syrskyi noted that Russian troops are firing roughly twice as many artillery shells as Ukrainian forces. Despite this, he claimed that recent Ukrainian offensives have regained control of 168 square kilometers (65 square miles) of land from Russian control. Ukraine's military operations have also seen success beyond frontline engagements, with a focus on long-range strikes that have dealt significant blows to Russian military and industrial capabilities.
In less than two months, Ukraine's newly formed Unmanned Systems Forces have conducted 85 strikes on targets inside Russia, targeting both military installations and factories producing arms, ammunition, and drones. These operations have contributed to a fuel shortage within Russia, significantly impacting logistics and supply chains for the Russian military. Syrskyi's statements could not be independently verified, and there has been no immediate comment from Russian officials.
As winter approaches, there are expectations of intensified attacks from Russia targeting Ukraine's power grid. In anticipation, Kyiv is enhancing its air-defense capabilities by incorporating a mix of interceptor drones, helicopters, light aircraft, and electronic warfare systems. Syrskyi highlighted that the improved interceptors are able to neutralize Russian attack drones with an efficacy rate of over 70%. Furthermore, Ukraine is currently testing light, fixed-wing aircraft equipped with machine guns as an additional countermeasure against drone threats.
U.S. President Donald Trump, despite his previous unproductive efforts to mediate the conflict, expressed optimism on Tuesday that Ukraine could eventually recover all the territory lost to Russia, which amounts to approximately 20% of its total land area. Meanwhile, Russian military tactics continue to adapt, employing massive numbers of small groups for infiltration, all while engaging in relentless drone, missile, and artillery attacks to attempt to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.
Amid the complex dynamics of this drawn-out conflict, Ukraine remains resilient, actively engaging in military advancements and strategic adaptations to counter ongoing Russian aggression, with the international community watching closely as the situation evolves.
