A view shows the remains of destroyed cars in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in the town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk Region, Russian-controlled Ukraine, March 16, 2024. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko
On Wednesday, Russia announced its military operations in Ukraine, asserting that its troops were making advancements against Ukrainian forces. Moscow declared its intention to enhance its military capabilities by adding two new armies and 30 new formations by the year’s end.
Following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia initially withdrew some of its forces from the eastern and southern regions due to overextension. However, after a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive last year, Russia has been steadily advancing its positions. President Vladimir Putin directed further troop movements after the capture of the small eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka last month.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to senior generals that Russian troops were successfully displacing Ukrainian forces from their positions, prompting concerns from the United States and its allies. The ongoing military efforts aim to capitalize on previous achievements and intensify live fire engagements against enemy targets.
Russia’s military expansion includes the creation of two new armies and 30 formations, comprising 14 divisions and 16 brigades, with a substantial recruitment of contract soldiers.
Western intelligence agencies suggest that the conflict may be at a critical juncture, as Ukraine requires increased support from Western allies to prevent further setbacks on the battlefield. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Ukraine’s survival was at risk.
Since the 2022 invasion, Russia has reportedly seized 65,000 square kilometers (25,000 square miles) of Ukrainian territory, according to the Russia Matters project at Harvard Kennedy School.
In response to heightened tensions, Ukraine is considering a new mobilization law due to a shortage of combat-ready troops. However, political complexities ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November have delayed support from Washington.
Prior to Russia’s presidential election from March 15-17, Ukraine intensified attacks by targeting Russian border regions, refineries, and employing proxies to breach the border. Shoigu emphasized increased security measures at Russian government facilities and strengthened air defenses.
During the election period, Russia claimed to have shot down 419 Ukrainian drones and 67 rockets, inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainian proxies, although Reuters could not independently verify these figures.
Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to ensuring security, acknowledging various methods to achieve this goal. He hinted at the possibility of establishing a buffer zone in additional Ukrainian territory as a defense against attacks by Western-supplied artillery.
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