Russian troops eat away at Ukraine’s territory, morale

Thu Oct 31 05:53:17 UTC 2024: ## Russian Forces Make Significant Gains in Ukraine, Raising Concerns About Kyiv’s Defense

**October 31, 2024** – Russian troops have made substantial territorial gains in Ukraine this month, capturing 478 square kilometers since the start of October, according to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This marks the largest monthly territorial gain for Russia since the early stages of its invasion in February 2022.

While the ISW data does not indicate an imminent Ukrainian military collapse, experts are expressing concern about the accelerating Russian advance. “Russia has been on the offensive for a year, but this past week has been one of the toughest for Ukraine’s armed forces,” said Meduza, a Russian opposition website.

Former French army colonel Michel Goya described the Russian strategy as “pressure everywhere, all the time,” aiming to exhaust Ukrainian defenses and force a collapse. He emphasized that the relentless Russian advance is fueling a sense of inevitability.

Moscow has been claiming daily victories, with military analysts suggesting that the Russian army’s success stems from a “suffocation tactic” that forces Ukrainian troops to retreat from encircled pockets of territory.

The continued Russian advance has reportedly taken a toll on Ukrainian morale. The government struggles to recruit new soldiers, while reports of disorganization and corruption within the army contribute to desertions and refusals to fight.

“Beating an enemy is killing their hope,” said Colonel Goya. “When the sacrifice of those who die is for nothing, there is no sense in fighting on.”

French military leaders also point to the growing war-weariness among the Ukrainian civilian population, making it increasingly difficult for President Zelenskyy’s government to mobilize for the war effort.

While the situation in Ukraine appears dire, the long-term implications of these recent developments remain to be seen. The Russian advance, however, raises serious questions about the future of Ukraine’s defense and the potential for a decisive victory for either side in the conflict.