However they hit very robust Ukrainian resistance virtually in every single place and confronted critical logistical issues with poorly motivated Russian troops struggling shortages of meals, water and ammunition.
Ukrainian forces have been additionally fast to deploy Western provided arms such because the Nlaw anti-tank system, which proved extremely efficient in opposition to the Russian advance.
By October 2022, the image had modified dramatically and having did not take Kyiv, Russia withdrew utterly from the north. The next month, Ukrainian forces recaptured the southern metropolis of Kherson.
Since then, the battle has principally been within the east of Ukraine with Russian forces slowly gaining floor over many months, whereas shedding at the very least 50,000 troops – and doubtless many extra.
By Dominic Bailey, Mike Hills, Paul Sargeant, Chris Clayton, Kady Wardell, Mark Bryson, Sana Dionysiou, Gerry Fletcher, Kate Gaynor and Erwan Rivault
