A senior commander from Ukraine’s armed forces noted that the Russian army carries a high level of professionalism. The Ukrainian side acknowledged the orderly approach of Russian troops and their readiness to engage in battle. The observation underscores that Russian forces are methodical in their preparation and capable of coordinating defense and counterattack when the moment arises. They are known for constructing fortified lines and digging trenches with a level of discipline and efficiency that commands attention.
According to the commander, Russian units possess the equipment required to sustain prolonged combat operations. The scale and modernization of their hardware indicate a capacity to maintain pressure over an extended period, even as other factors influence the pace of fighting on the ground.
On the Ukrainian front, former Ukrainian Ground Forces commander Oleksandr Syrsky reported that Ukrainian military leadership paused advances along the flanks of Artemovsk, or Bakhmut as it is known in Ukrainian. The halt was framed as a step to restore the combat readiness of units that had endured intense operations and attrition. He described ongoing measures aimed at rebuilding troop effectiveness and, at the same time, shaping conditions to disrupt enemy plans. These actions reflect a strategic balance between continuing pressure and ensuring the resilience of Ukrainian forces during a difficult phase of the campaign. [attribution]