Former Soviet Official's Comment on the Russia-Ukraine War: "One Man's Fantasy Has the Whole of Russia Accompanying in the Funeral!"

Day 840 of War: In-Depth Analysis of Intense Combat and Strategic Dynamics on the Ukrainian Front

As the Ukraine conflict enters its 840th day, the intensity of the fighting shows no signs of abating, with escalations across multiple frontline areas, reflecting a brutal contest that blends modern and traditional warfare characteristics. In the last 24 hours, the Ukrainian General Staff reported significant losses for Russian forces in heavy exchanges, with 980 soldiers killed, highlighting the high intensity and ferocity of the combat. Particularly in the Vovchansk area north of Kharkiv, the 41st Regiment of the Russian 11th Army suffered a major setback, with over a hundred soldiers captured. This information has been confirmed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), and corroborated by evidence on social media, revealing the importance of battlefield information transparency in modern conflicts.

Northern Offensive and Precision Strikes

The Ukrainian military's northern offensive is not limited to a single direction but adopts a multi-pronged strategy, not only pressuring Russian forces near Kharkiv but also conducting long-range strikes on military assembly points in Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod within Russia. This demonstrates Ukraine's flexible use of drone warfare capabilities. In the battle of Kreminna in the Luhansk region, the 63rd Brigade of the Ukrainian army's FPV drone successfully destroyed a TOS-1 thermobaric rocket launcher and a Pantsir-S1 air defense system of the Russian army. This precision strike capability reflects Ukraine's technological advantage and tactical innovation in asymmetric warfare.

Central and Southern Front: Scorched Earth and Street Fighting

Moving south along the frontline, the area of Chasov Yar in Bakhmut has become a focal point of contention between the two sides, witnessing intense shifts in offense and defense. The symbolic change of the national flag reflects the tragic reality of the city being reduced to ruins. Ukrainian and Russian forces engage in close-quarters combat amid the devastated structures. The M109A7 "Paladin" self-propelled howitzer provided by the United States played a key role in defense, effectively suppressing Russian assault attempts, demonstrating the decisive impact of artillery firepower in urban warfare.

In Avdiivka, the engagement between the 47th Brigade of the Ukrainian army and Russian assault teams once again proved the importance of rapid response and fire support in modern warfare. Although the Ukrainian army temporarily lost ground in some areas, it quickly adjusted its fire layout and effectively counterattacked, highlighting its adaptability and resilience on the battlefield.

Intense Struggles on the Southeastern Front

In the RobotyMe area of Zaporizhzhia, the fighting has reached a fever pitch. What remains after the Russian airstrikes is not only scorched earth but also a valiant counterattack by the Ukrainian Special Forces Omega. The intense fire of snipers and light weapons shows the flexibility and deadliness of special operations units in complex terrains. At the Urozhaine battlefield, the continuous artillery bombardment and frequent use of drones not only reflect the characteristics of high-tech warfare but also the competition between the two sides in the field of information warfare.

Air Superiority and Air Defense Challenges

The flames of war in Crimea remind us that the struggle for air supremacy has never ceased. Although Ukraine has received a large amount of international military aid, it is still at a disadvantage in air defense. The Russian Air Force uses the tactic of using gliding bombs to pave the way, posing a huge threat to Ukrainian ground forces. Ukraine is actively seeking to enhance its air defense capabilities, by accelerating domestic research and development and international aid to make up for this shortcoming. Moves by Western countries such as the United States to lift the arms embargo on the "Azov Battalion," along with commitments from several countries to provide advanced air defense systems like the Patriot, signal a potential change in Ukraine's future battlefield environment.

Strategic Considerations and International Response

Beyond the battlefield, every move by the decision-makers affects the direction of the war. The Washington Post reported that the United States' lifting of the arms supply to the "Azov Battalion" marks a subtle change in Western policy towards Ukraine and is a direct response to Russian accusations. This decision not only reflects the complexity of geopolitics but also recognizes the diverse composition of the Ukrainian military.

The establishment of the "Unmanned Systems Combat Force" in Ukraine signifies the acceleration of its military modernization process. The appointment of Colonel Sukharevsky as the new commander of the unmanned forces shows the Ukrainian military's forward-looking layout for the future of warfare, that is, to improve combat effectiveness and reduce casualties through unmanned technology.

The Heavy Cost of War and Future Prospects

On the 840th day of war, for both Ukraine and Russia, it is a burden that is hard to bear. Russia is facing the dilemma of territorial expansion being blocked, and every inch of land in Ukraine is won at the cost of flesh and blood. War is not only a contest of force but also a comparison of will and wisdom. As former Soviet General Ivashov said, the personal decisions behind this conflict have led to huge sacrifices at the national level, highlighting the far-reaching impact of war decisions.

The dynamic response of the international community, from NATO countries accelerating the aid of air defense systems to the confrontation in the public opinion field, all reflect the global impact of this conflict. Ukraine's road to independence and freedom, although full of thorns, has also stimulated unprecedented international unity and internal mobilization. The future of the war may depend more on technology, information warfare, and the delicate balance of international relations, and every individual and country involved will leave a profound mark in this historical torrent.