Russia’s summer military push into Ukraine has intensified but remains slow and costly. The offensive, which began in early June, has led to limited territorial advances while exposing major challenges in Russian strategy and logistics.
Russian forces have focused their efforts on eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk and Sumy regions. Despite deploying thousands of troops and utilizing drone assaults and mechanized infantry, the Kremlin’s campaign has failed to deliver decisive breakthroughs. Russian troops have captured small areas, including towns near Chasiv Yar and parts of Sumy Oblast, but at a heavy cost in manpower and equipment.
Military analysts report that Russia is relying on sacrificial infantry waves and kamikaze drone tactics. These attacks have caused some disruption to Ukrainian defenses but have also resulted in high casualty rates among Russian units, many of whom are undertrained or from penal battalions. Ukrainian officials describe Russia’s strategy as desperate and unsustainable in the long run.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has invested heavily in defense. Trenches, drone swarms, and fortified lines now span hundreds of kilometers from Kharkiv to Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian forces have also intensified long-range attacks deep into Russian territory, targeting logistics hubs and fuel depots. These strikes are reportedly causing billions in damage and putting pressure on Russia’s supply chains.
Despite the pressure, Ukraine maintains control over major cities. President Zelenskyy has reaffirmed that Russian forces have not succeeded in capturing key strategic targets. Ukrainian morale remains high, bolstered by Western support and the delivery of new defense systems including drones and anti-aircraft weapons.
International observers note that Russia’s current approach may be aimed less at achieving battlefield dominance and more at exhausting Ukrainian resources ahead of potential diplomatic negotiations. However, the slow progress and high costs suggest that Moscow’s ambitions may again fall short of expectations.
As the war grinds on through summer, both sides are digging in. But for now, Ukraine continues to hold the line.
