
Winter is settling in, bringing with it a shift in gears for Ukraine's armed forces. After an unsuccessful summer counteroffensive against Russia, the Ukrainian military is adopting a more defensive strategy, according to a recent military analysis. As the war in Ukraine approaches its 22-month mark, the focus is now on fortifying field defenses and weathering the challenging conditions ahead.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, in conjunction with their British counterparts, noted that significant efforts have been made to enhance field fortifications along the front line. This change in approach comes after the Russian army's deep defenses proved impregnable during Ukraine's prolonged assault. Despite the use of Western-supplied weaponry, the absence of vital air cover hampered Ukraine's progress. As more snow and mud hinder troop movements, recent conflicts have primarily revolved around artillery, missiles, and drone strikes.