Ukrainian forces have halted Russia’s advance in the eastern Donetsk region and have begun regaining territory in small but significant counterattacks. According to The New York Times, Ukrainian military officials and analysts report that, despite Russia still holding the initiative and launching dozens of attacks daily, its forces are suffering from exhaustion after more than fifteen months of relentless offensives. The depletion of manpower and equipment has allowed Ukrainian defenders to exploit weaknesses in Russian lines.
Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, noted that Russian attacks in Donetsk have stalled in recent months due to a combination of poor weather, severe fatigue among Russian troops, and Ukraine’s ability to adapt to Russian tactics. Although the situation is not yet fully stable, Ukrainian innovations are helping to counterbalance their limited resources. However, the Ukrainian military remains cautious, expecting Russia to regroup and escalate its offensive, particularly as US military aid and intelligence support remain frozen.
Intelligence sharing is expected to be a key issue in an upcoming meeting between Ukrainian and American officials, the first high-level discussion since policy disagreements between President Trump and President Zelensky at the White House on 28 February. Zelensky confirmed that the talks will take place on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio representing Washington. He also announced a separate meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Western military analysts and American officials warn that delays in equipment deliveries and the suspension of intelligence support are already affecting Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities. The absence of critical intelligence has made it difficult for Ukraine to strike Russian command posts, logistics hubs, and troop concentrations behind enemy lines. The intelligence gap is particularly evident in the Kursk region, where Russian and North Korean troops have intensified their offensive. Ukraine views Kursk as a key strategic area that could play a significant role in future negotiations to end the war.
A senior US defence official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the intelligence cut-off has weakened Ukraine’s ability to locate and destroy Russian targets in Kursk. Retired US Army General Keith Kellogg, now a special representative to Ukraine, stated that the decision would have a “significant” impact on Ukraine’s ability to conduct military operations.
Ukraine has suggested a partial ceasefire in air and naval operations, acknowledging that some occupied areas may remain under Russian control. However, US officials insist that intelligence support will only resume if Kyiv meets specific demands set by Washington.
The strategically vital town of Toretsk has been the scene of intense fighting for eight months. However, in recent days, Ukrainian forces have made progress in the area, launching local counterattacks. This marks a shift in momentum, as Ukraine continues to exploit Russian vulnerabilities and adapt to battlefield conditions.
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