Ukraine losing ground in the east as Russia steps up summer offensive

Russia has intensified its summer offensive in eastern Ukraine, capturing several villages and pushing closer to key transport hubs. Ukrainian officials report that the Russian military is using a combination of heavy artillery, mechanized infantry, and drones to breach Ukrainian lines, particularly in the Donetsk region. Over the past few weeks, Russia has made its largest territorial gains in more than six months. Ukrainian forces are fighting back fiercely but are reportedly outnumbered and exhausted. Supply lines are being stretched, and the lack of modern air defense systems is making it hard to stop Russian drones and glide bombs, which are being used with increasing precision.

One of the major contributing factors to these losses is the pause in Western arms deliveries. While general military aid continues, some of the most critical systems—like long-range missiles, Patriot batteries, and advanced surveillance drones—have been delayed or withheld. This has allowed Russia to gain tactical momentum in several sectors. In the towns of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, Russian troops are pushing forward and targeting railways and roads that are vital for Ukraine’s military logistics. The offensive is also designed to stretch Ukrainian defenses thin ahead of the winter, when fighting typically slows down. Ukrainian commanders worry that unless new weapons arrive soon, they will lose even more ground, further weakening their negotiating position in any potential peace talks.