Ukraine faces worst crisis on the front since the start of the war with Russia

Ukraine is entering its 30th month of war with Russia and is experiencing its worst crisis since the beginning of the conflict. According to CNN, troops are struggling with ammunition shortages, physical and mental exhaustion and high desertion rates.

In recent weeks, Russia has carried out one of the largest attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war. Fifteen regions were hit, several cities were left without power and at least five people died in a massive bombardment in which more than 100 missiles and more than 100 drones were used.

The operation was Moscow’s counterattack to Ukraine’s intervention in Russia’s Kursk region, which took control of several settlements in the border areas in an unprecedented operation inside Russian territory.

Kiev’s goal was to force the deployment of Russian troops to the eastern front, where Vladimir Putin’s forces have been seizing much territory. However, the operation appears to have failed to achieve its goals and has further fueled a crisis that has been little discussed until now.

A report published by CNN International reveals that the Ukrainian army has been facing serious logistical problems, such as a lack of communication between units, and troops fighting amid a lack of coordination and adequate ammunition. The increase in desertion has led the government to decriminalize this practice, if it occurs for the first time.

Dima, a Ukrainian battalion commander, led 800 men in intense fighting, but after seeing many soldiers killed or seriously wounded, he decided to leave the battlefield and work in an office in Kiev. He describes the desperate situation on the eastern frontline, where Ukrainian troops are struggling with a lack of reinforcements and demoralization.

Desertion and insubordination are on the rise, especially among new recruits who were mobilized without choice, Dima said. The winter and spring were particularly difficult, with ammunition shortages and low morale among soldiers.

Problems faced by the Ukrainian army:

1. Highs lows: Deaths and serious injuries are decimating the troops.
2. Lack of reinforcements: Units are not receiving enough new soldiers to replace losses.
3. Desertion and insubordination: Many soldiers are abandoning their posts or refusing to fight.
4. Demoralization: Fatigue and lack of ammunition affect the troops’ morale.
5. Poor communication: Communication breakdowns between different units are hampering effectiveness on the battlefield.
6. Lack of ammunition: Ammunition shortages, especially during the winter and spring, hampered operations.
7. Physical and mental exhaustion: Soldiers are facing long periods of combat without adequate rest.
8. Shortage of resources and equipment: Logistical problems continue to limit defense capabilities.
9. Command problems: Disagreements between commanders are making coordination and leadership on the battlefield difficult.