Nataliia Bilanska, a 75-year-old pensioner from Hryshyne, Ukraine, is preparing to evacuate her home as the Russian army advances towards her town. The relentless assault by Russian forces has taken a toll on morale among Ukrainian troops and civilians, with many facing shortages of military support from American and European allies.
The war in eastern Ukraine has entered its third year, but the situation remains dire for those caught in the crossfire. Civilians and soldiers alike are struggling to cope with the constant artillery fire, economic hardship, and humanitarian crises.
Ukraine’s military is grappling with manpower and firepower shortages, exacerbated by delayed and sometimes uncertain military support from American and European allies. The country’s reliance on imported weaponry has made it vulnerable to Russian advances, particularly in the Donetsk region.
Russia has taken advantage of Ukraine’s shortfalls to capture key towns, including Kurakhove and Vuhledar, which have given them a springboard for further advances towards Pokrovsk. The use of drones, artillery barrages, and human wave offensives has made it difficult for Ukrainian forces to counterattack.
Many Ukrainian soldiers are concerned about the misapplication of their battlefield expertise, with some being transferred from specialized roles to infantry positions where they are less effective. This has led to a decline in motivation among combat veterans, who feel that their skills are not being utilized effectively.
The situation is further complicated by the inexperience of new recruits, many of whom have never seen combat before. The average age of recruits is over 40, and many have been injured or forced to drop out due to the harsh conditions on the front lines.
As Ukraine struggles to cope with Russia’s relentless assault, there are concerns about the long-term consequences for the country’s stability and security. With the situation on the ground continuing to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to support Ukraine in its time of need.
Source: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2025/0204/ukraine-battlefront-morale-military-shortages-russia