Russia's advance in Ukraine has slowed significantly, Air Assault Forces commander says

Key Points:

• Russia's battlefield advance has significantly slowed due to heavy casualties, limiting Moscow's ability to sustain its offensive despite manpower advantages, according to Maj. Gen. Oleh Apostol, commander of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces.
• Russian forces have made minimal territorial gains, with the Institute for the Study of War reporting a net loss of about 27 square kilometers in October, marking the second consecutive month of territorial decline for Moscow.
• Apostol highlighted that Russian troops often plant flags in contested areas to falsely indicate control, a tactic influenced by inaccurate battlefield reporting within Russia's military command.
• Ukraine has reclaimed over 800 square kilometers through counteroffensive operations and strategically chooses to attack where success is feasible while prioritizing defense elsewhere to exhaust Russian forces.
• Despite technological advances like drones, Apostol emphasized the essential role of infantry in securing and holding territory, and noted that Ukrainian counteroffensives bolster international support by demonstrating ongoing resistance and territorial reclamation.