hot news

In the east, both sides are pounding each other with artillery. Former British Brigadier Ben Barry is now a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Britain. He said that will continue to be the case in the Battle for Donbas.

He predicted that shelling would be the main cause of casualties on both sides in the coming weeks and months. Western officials have stressed Russia's heavy losses, but they have been reluctant to estimate Ukrainian casualties.



Image courtesy AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Image with text,

Despite western aid, Ukrainian forces have been held back on the battlefield by Russian fire.

Ukraine is now receiving heavy weapons from the West, including American M777 howitzers. Ukraine has also received anti-artillery radar systems from the West that could help detect and target Russian artillery lines. But Ukrainian forces are still pinned down by Russian fire.

Russia has been using its artillery and rocket launchers to suppress Ukrainian troops, who are digging trenches along the well-prepared lines. Russia has been pushing in two main directions, from the north towards The city of Igum and from the west towards the city of Northern Donetsk. They have made limited progress in both directions.

The tactical problem

Former British Brigadier General John Barry said Russia appears to be "trying to bleed Ukraine dry" by forcing it to concentrate its forces on key points that could then be targeted by its artillery.

Military analysts say Ukraine likely suffered heavy casualties as a result.

However, Bari said Ukraine could still use urban areas in Donbas to slow the advance of Russian forces. As the whole war showed, fighting in towns and cities favoured the defenders.

Again, as in Mariupol, Russia may try to wipe out resistance