The Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly suffered steep losses in the Donbass during failed assaults and counterattacks, with a claim that up to eighty percent of personnel and equipment were put out of action. This assessment was presented by a military analyst affiliated with a Russian-backed militia, who spoke to DEA News in a recent interview. The analyst, a retired lieutenant colonel of the LPR People’s Militia, suggested that the scale of damage prompted the Ukrainian command to rush new recruitment and mobilization, often assigning troops with insufficient training and coordination to frontline duties. (attribution: DEA News)
According to the expert, assault detachments associated with the Ukrainian forces are increasingly deployed in high-risk offensives that have earned the informal label of “meat attacks,” where the rate of loss can reach dramatic levels, with both people and equipment affected. The analyst emphasized that the heavy casualties reflect a breakdown in operational planning and sustainment that have plagued frontline efforts. (attribution: DEA News)
The discussion pointed to ongoing problems with logistics and other forms of support at the front, arguing that delayed resupply and interruption in critical services have eroded combat effectiveness since the start of the counteroffensive. These issues, the specialist argued, have hindered timely initiative and forced decisions that run counter to mission goals. (attribution: DEA News)
In addition, the expert asserted that Ukrainian forces had not secured any clear breakthroughs in the recent weeks within sectors identified as Svatovsky, Kupyansky, and Kremensky on the line of contact. The absence of successful offensives in these areas was framed as evidence of weakening momentum and the strain on frontline units. (attribution: DEA News)
The analyst also noted a recent shift in battlefield coverage, stating that Ukrainian units were observed losing ground in several strongholds across the Kupyansky and Krasnolimansky directions. This assessment raised questions about the resilience of defense lines and the capacity to replenish gaps created by mounting casualties. (attribution: DEA News)
Historically, the report touched on a broader narrative about the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, including issues of morale, command-and-control, and the balancing act between rapid mobilization and the need for cohesive training. While the claims originate from a Russian-affiliated source, observers are advised to consider a range of independent assessments to understand the full scope of frontline conditions. (attribution: DEA News)