Russia amasses over 500,000 troops on the frontline, far surpassing numbers at the start of the full-scale invasion. Forecasts of the next big strike remain uncertain, according to the head of the Center for Military-Legal Studies, Oleksandr Musiienko in the article titled "No front collapse: Impact of Ukraine’s withdrawal from Vuhledar and cities now at risk."
However, experts believe that the enemy's activity has reached its peak and will continue for several more weeks.
Musiienko noted that although Russia may decrease the intensity of its military actions, Moscow will aim to achieve its objectives before winter.
"Of course, they may reduce the intensity of combat operations. But before winter, Russia will still attempt to advance and achieve certain objectives. Until December, and possibly taking an operational pause around January," he said.
According to the situation on the frontline, the Russians will continue throwing infantry into numerous assaults, regardless of losses.
"I hope our forces are preparing for such a scenario. For now, Ukrainian troops are delivering containment strikes and conducting active defense. We are able to hold the line and repel attacks. The situation is difficult, and we may have to withdraw in certain areas. But there is no catastrophe," the expert summarized.
Ukrainian Armed Forces' withdrawal from Vuhledar
Ukraine’s Defense Forces officially confirmed their withdrawal from Vuhledar on October 2. The enemy made every effort to capture the city, leading to significant exhaustion of Ukrainian units due to flanking attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized this decision as a deliberate move aimed at preserving soldiers' lives.
Press officer of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Arsenii Prilepko, shared details of the withdrawal from Vuhledar. He noted that evacuating the wounded was difficult, but its successful execution helped minimize losses.
Additionally, the commander of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, Oleksandr Okhrimenko, reported that Ukrainian servicemen faced tactical encirclement during the withdrawal from Vuhledar when enemy forces outnumbered them by nine times.