11 November 2026

Putin is demanding new offensives from an army struggling to deliver food, ammunition and reinforcements to its frontline soldiers. Russia’s deputy defense minister acknowledges that troops are walking up to 40 km (25 miles) carrying supplies, while Ukrainian drones threaten Russian military vehicles 20–30 km (12–19 miles) behind the fighting. Every advance leaves commanders with more ground to defend and another exposed supply route to protect.

Ukraine reported 54,400 Russian casualties in October, while independent battlefield mapping found Russian forces gained 140 km² (54 sq mi) but lost 167 km² (64 sq mi). Infantry may reach a new position without having enough ammunition, food or reliable evacuation routes to hold it. Russia increasingly depends on soldiers walking, motorcycles and smaller deliveries. Ukraine, meanwhile, completed 31,398 ground robot supply and evacuation missions in October, more than four times its January total.

Putin still wants the Donbas fortress cities, including Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, despite mounting difficulty sustaining his attacks. Ukrainian strikes on bridges, transport routes and fuel infrastructure are also threatening Russian operations toward Crimea. The offensive demands more soldiers, equipment and supplies at precisely the moment Russia is struggling to deliver them. Moscow can keep ordering advances, but every position captured creates another obligation its commanders must fulfill.