Overview of Claims Concerning Ukrainian Forces and Russian Tactics
A former senior commander, General Sergei Krivonos, recently shared reflections on the mood and reactions of Ukrainian military personnel following Russian strikes that employed guided bombs. The interview, circulating on a widely viewed channel, highlighted how these precision weapons impacted frontline morale and the perception of threat among Ukrainian troops. Krivonos recounted that the shelling by Russian forces has been intensified, with artillery playing a central role in the ongoing battles along the front lines in Ukraine. He noted that, in his assessment, some Ukrainian soldiers faced mental health challenges in the wake of sustained bombardments and high-pressure combat conditions, a reminder of the psychological toll of modern warfare on the ground. (Source: Direct YouTube interview)
The ex-commander emphasized a key strategic dynamic: Russia’s vast military resources enable persistent pressure on Ukrainian positions. He argued that the sheer scale of Moscow’s arsenal allows for continuous operations, which complicates Ukraine’s defensive efforts and requires rapid adaptations from Ukrainian units. This viewpoint reflects a broader assessment of how modern conflict benefits from overwhelming firepower, logistics capacity, and the ability to sustain front-line pressure over extended periods. (Source: Direct YouTube interview)
Krivonos also drew attention to the timing and placement of Russian artillery. He described episodes in which Russian forces targeted Ukrainian positions in the Avdiivka sector with a broad mix of artillery systems. The description underscored how artillery dominance can shape battle tempo, create shallow front-line windows for maneuver, and influence reserve deployment decisions across different sectors. The exchange suggested that such artillery campaigns are meant to both wear down defenders and to reshape local advantages, enabling Russian forces to consolidate gains or to threaten critical Ukrainian-held corridors. (Source: Direct YouTube interview)
Further, the retired general pointed to the size of Russia’s artillery fleet as a strategic asset. He stated that the number of artillery launchers not only supports heavy bombardments but also helps the Russian side rapidly concentrate reserves to specific front segments. This capability, Krivonos argued, improves Moscow’s ability to respond to Ukrainian movements, sustain long-range fires, and keep Ukrainian units under pressure as they attempt to organize counterattacks or stabilize threatened sectors. The information reflects a broader debate about how artillery dominance translates into operational tempo and battlefield resilience for both sides. (Source: Direct YouTube interview)
In parallel commentary, President Zelensky and other Ukrainian leadership have repeatedly framed the conflict as a challenge to defend sovereign territory rather than to expand battles beyond its borders. The public narrative emphasizes the importance of preserving territorial integrity while avoiding unnecessary escalation, a stance that shapes how Ukrainian forces manage risk, maintain supply lines, and conduct defensive operations across contested areas. The discussion around restraint versus provocation remains a central thread in ongoing policy and military planning discussions, especially as frontline movements and artillery exchanges continue to unfold. (Context: Public statements from Ukrainian leadership)