Russia captured 14 sq km of Ukrainian territory in May – lowest figure in three years, reports DeepState
The Russian army captured 14 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in May. DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, reported that this is the lowest monthly rate of Russian advance in the past three years.
Source: DeepState
Details: The analysts note that May was the worst month for the Russian army in terms of territorial gains since October 2023, when the Russians launched a large-scale offensive across most sections of the front.
According to DeepState's estimates, Russian forces captured 14 sq km of Ukrainian territory during May. Meanwhile, the analysis emphasises that the advances made by Ukraine's defence forces are shown on the map with a delay for security reasons. The analysts believe that May was the first month since the 2023 counteroffensive, when the net increase in territory captured by Russia was negative.
Quote: "The war is entering a new phase, and it is important for the Ukrainians not to lose the initiative. Fortunately, there are positive staff changes – a new Minister of Defence, Fedorov; a new commander of Operational Command Skhid (East), Nikoliuk; and many capable corps and brigade commanders are taking up their posts, while many problematic figures have been moved elsewhere, supposedly for promotion. We hope these trends will continue."
Details: DeepState also pointed out that the number of Russian assaults in May rose by 37.5% to over 7,000 attacks. However, this did not lead to any significant territorial gains.
"We are constantly being provided with videos showing Russians conducting assaults in pairs at best, and very often a single soldier attacks alone. But before he gets very far, everything starts flying at him.
The trend of infiltrations continues, but the defence forces' response to enemy incursions has significantly improved – it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Russians to plant a flag or build up forces," the report states.
Meanwhile, DeepState described the situation near Kostiantynivka as difficult, noting that the outlook for the city remains unfavourable.
Previously: On 29 May, DeepState reported that Ukraine's defence forces had liberated territory near Novoselivka on the Oleksandrivka front. Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that Ukrainian defenders launched a new offensive on that front in early May.
Background: In December, Ukraine's defence forces posted photos and video footage showing life in the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast, which Russian forces are systematically razing to the ground.
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