Donetsk showdown: Russia's push tests Ukraine's new military leadership
Ukraine's new commanders face their first major test as Russia intensifies its campaign to capture the Donetsk region.
Ukraine is preparing for a prolonged period of intense combat in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia's offensive is now putting the country's newly appointed military leadership to the test. The coming months are expected to bring some of the fiercest fighting of the year as Moscow seeks to capture the key cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which would bring it closer to its goal of controlling the entire Donetsk region.
Military analysts anticipate that Russia will escalate its offensive as winter approaches, despite renewed diplomatic contacts. A recent visit by U.S. envoys to Kyiv revived talks, but no breakthrough has been reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that he expects the war to continue through the winter.
The battle for Donetsk is shaping up to be a pivotal phase of the conflict. For Russian President Vladimir Putin, seizing the remaining territory would be a significant political and military victory. For Ukraine, holding the region is crucial for protecting its eastern defences and for validating a recent command shake-up designed to counter Russia's slow but steady advance.
General Mykhailo Drapatyi, who took over in July, has appointed respected commanders to lead the defence. Andrii Biletskyi of the Third Army Corps and Denys Prokopenko of the National Guard's Azov unit are now overseeing the region's defence. Both are credited with building disciplined and technologically advanced forces. They are supported by Colonel Emil Ishkulov, whose corps covers Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Russian forces are now less than 15 kilometres from the two main cities, which are under increasing attacks from drones and guided bombs. The human cost has been severe, with once-thriving cities becoming dangerous places for civilians.
While Russia holds an advantage in manpower, analysts note that its gains have been slow. Ukraine has developed a solid defence against mechanised assaults, and its drone-based tactics have proven effective. However, Ukraine's army still faces challenges with manpower and a draft system that has been hampered by corruption and mismanagement.
Despite the pressure, Ukraine has refused to surrender the territory it still controls. The outcome of the looming battle remains uncertain, with analysts saying the situation could develop in many ways. Ukraine will aim to build on modest gains from earlier this year, while Russia will look to break through Kyiv's defences before the weather turns.