AFU Strategy in Donbas: Challenges of Ukrainian Defense Against the Enemy.

Ukraine is employing a slow retreat strategy in the Donbas, aiming to inflict maximum losses on Russian forces. This is sparking various opinions among experts and observers, reports The New York Times.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are leaving some towns and villages, such as Maryinka, Avdiivka, and Vuhledar, but this is done in an organized manner, with the aim of causing as much harm as possible to the enemy. The main goal is to place a too high price on the advance of Russian troops, wearing them down with human and material losses.

It seems that the Ukrainian command is ready to sacrifice some territories for strategic advantage in the future. Franz-Stefan Gady, a military analyst from Vienna, emphasizes that the most important factor is not the control over individual settlements, but the ratio of losses between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

"This war will not be determined by who controls Vuhledar or other tactical frontline towns. It's about how many troops the Russians have spent trying to capture Vuhledar compared to the losses the Ukrainians incurred trying to hold it," he noted.

According to Ukrainian and Western sources, in August 2024, Russian losses amounted to 1,200 people per day. Analysts predict that Russia could deplete its supply of combat armored vehicles by 2026 at the current rate of losses.

At the same Time, Putin has focused the economy on military issues, allowing a high level of weapons production to be maintained. Despite the losses, Russian society continues to support the war.

The success of Ukraine's strategy in the Donbas will depend on several factors, including Ukraine's ability to maintain the morale of its troops and population, the continuation of Western support, and the economic resilience of both sides of the conflict. It remains unknown how much territory Ukraine must concede before the Russian army is depleted, and whether this will happen at all.