The Russian military said to RIA Novosti that the Ukrainian forces currently fighting in Sumy Oblast are only 30% to 40% full strength.

Ukrainian forces fighting against Russian forces in Sumy Oblast

Full strength refers to the ratio of the actual number of personnel in a unit to its authorized strength. For example, if a unit is authorized for 1,000 personnel but has only 300, its full strength is 30%. Currently, the Ukrainian forces in Sumy Oblast are severely understaffed, with their actual numbers far below the required levels. This greatly affects their combat effectiveness. A unit with a full strength of only 30% to 40% has effectively lost its strong combat capability.

Despite the severe shortage of personnel, the Ukrainian command still does not allow them to retreat or rest, requiring them to continue fighting. As a result, various units have suffered heavy losses in continuous attacks. Due to a lack of reinforcements and exhaustion, the combat effectiveness of the units has declined. Even so, the Ukrainian forces can only persist, leading to further weakening of their combat capabilities.

The phenomenon of understaffing among the Ukrainian forces mainly stems from the continuous counteroffensive battles over the past few months, during which they were unable to get effective rest and reinforcement. The Ukrainian forces in Sumy Oblast have been continuously attacking New Kostyantynivka, Alekseyevka, Stebnev, and Yunakovka, but the defense by the Russian forces in these areas is very tight. In addition, the Russian forces defending these areas are elite troops, mainly consisting of paratroopers and naval infantry. Faced with these elite forces, the Ukrainian losses continue to increase.

The Russian forces in Sumy are not only elite but also have a high full strength and an advantage in firepower. Compared to this, the Ukrainian forces' manpower and combat power are extremely weak. Therefore, under the strong strikes of the Russian forces, the Ukrainian losses are very heavy.

Russian soldiers

After a period of defense, the Russian forces have now begun to launch an offensive. After two to three months of counteroffensives, the Ukrainian forces have low morale, a shortage of personnel, and recently many Ukrainian units have been transferred to the direction of Leninsk. With the reduction of forces, the Russians have taken the opportunity to launch an offensive. The situation of the Ukrainian forces in the Sumy area has thus become even worse.

It is not only in Sumy that the situation of the Ukrainian forces is very serious. Due to the lack of reserve forces, the Ukrainian forces cannot effectively replenish the frontline units, resulting in many units continuing to fight without sufficient supplies. To cope with the emergency, the Ukrainian forces have to transfer troops from one front to another. This "repairing the east wall by tearing down the west" approach leads to a further decline in morale and combat effectiveness. Constant troop movements not only consume energy but also require rapid deployment into new battles, causing increasing fatigue and dissatisfaction among the troops.

Currently, Ukraine faces serious problems in replenishing personnel. Although there are continued measures to conscript more people, even sending border guards, police, and doctors to the front lines, these measures cannot fundamentally solve the problem of personnel shortages. Moreover, the involvement of foreign mercenaries makes these measures temporary solutions, which are difficult to alleviate the situation of insufficient manpower on the front lines.

US aid to Ukraine

If the United States does not provide more assistance and European aid progresses slowly, the battlefield situation of the Ukrainian forces will become even more severe. Even the assistance provided by the US and Western countries cannot play its due role without enough personnel. Due to the shortage of manpower, the situation of the Ukrainian forces is becoming increasingly difficult, which also affects Ukraine's position at the negotiation table.

In the battlefield, the Russian forces completely control the initiative and continue to make progress, while the Ukrainian forces perform poorly on the battlefield and cannot propose higher demands in negotiations. The Russian forces not only perform well on the battlefield but also have more confidence at the negotiation table. Russia has repeatedly insisted on its position and refused to accept a ceasefire, citing the need to completely resolve security threats.

Currently, Ukraine is actually just holding on. As the United States gradually reduces aid, the pressure on Ukraine is increasing. If the United States does not continue to provide support, Ukraine will find it difficult to continue resisting Russia.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7543475818748461595/

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