\\"Ukraine’s Grit Amid a Relentless Russian Onslaught: A Battle for Survival"\\

Paramedics from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade working to stabilize wounded soldiers from the front line, outside Kurakove in October.
As the war in Ukraine drags into its fourth winter, the battlefield remains a grim testament to resilience and relentless aggression. Ukrainian forces, stretched thin and battling against a numerically superior Russian military, are engaged in fierce defensive struggles across the eastern and southern fronts. Despite mounting casualties and shortages of manpower and artillery, Ukrainian soldiers persist in their determination to resist.

This article examines the harrowing realities on the ground, the evolving dynamics of the conflict, and the geopolitical stakes that continue to shape this bloody war.

An infantry soldier at a frontline position outside Toretsk, in Donetsk.

Ukraine's forces face a daunting challenge as Russian troops press forward with what some commanders describe as the most intense assaults of the war. Outnumbered by ratios as high as six to one in key areas, Ukrainian soldiers must contend not only with relentless infantry attacks but also with shortages of critical resources.

On the frontlines in Donetsk, small bands of Ukrainian troops find themselves encircled and cut off from supply lines. Captain Viacheslav, a 30-year-old drone unit commander, recounts the dire reality: “Even if the position holds, supplies—ammunition, provisions—eventually run out. Any vehicle attempting to reach these positions will be ambushed.”

An artillery unit of the 68th Jaeger Brigade fires near Selydove, Donbas.

Such precarious situations are becoming more frequent, testing the endurance and resolve of Ukrainian forces. As snow blankets the battle-scarred landscape, the fight for survival grows ever more desperate.

Years of intense combat have left Ukraine’s military struggling with a critical shortage of combat infantry and experienced commanders. Brigades once capable of holding five kilometers of territory are now tasked with defending twice or three times that area. This overstretch has strained their ability to maintain cohesive defensive lines, allowing Russia to make its most significant territorial gains since the war’s early days.

Captain Viacheslav and other commanders emphasize the urgent need for reinforcements. However, many of the new recruits lack battlefield experience, and with each passing month, there are fewer seasoned veterans to guide them. “We’re stretched thin,” he laments. “People need to step up and serve. There’s no other way.”

A soldier from the 38th Separate Marine Brigade moving branches to hide a field gun after firing at the Russian Army near Pokrovsk on Saturday.

Artillery, once a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defensive strategy, is now in critically short supply. Commanders note a marked decrease in the use of U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems, with one officer remarking, “I barely hear them at all anymore. They’re almost nonexistent.”

With artillery scarce, drones have become essential to Ukraine’s defense, accounting for the majority of enemy losses along much of the front. Drone operators, like Sergeant Major Dmytro, play a vital role in targeting advancing Russian troops, but their work comes at great personal risk. Russian forces frequently target drone teams with overwhelming firepower, from artillery barrages to guided bombs.

Despite their effectiveness, drones alone cannot hold the line. “Nothing can replace infantry,” says Captain Viacheslav. The challenge lies in balancing technological ingenuity with the harsh realities of ground combat.

Russia’s offensive in the Donbas and southern Ukraine is characterized by an apparent willingness to absorb staggering casualties. Ukrainian commanders recount battles where Russian troops are sent into the fray repeatedly, even after devastating losses.

Sergeant Major Vasyl describes one such engagement: “They dropped off 30 soldiers, and we took them all out. Another vehicle came in immediately after and unloaded 30 more. In half a day, they lost over 200 men.” Yet, despite these losses, the Russians advanced, taking the contested ground.

This relentless strategy, while costly for Russia, has allowed them to inch forward in critical areas, such as the approaches to the strategic cities of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk.

The 38th Separate Marine Brigade, with a self-propelled howitzer, is fighting to hold back the Russian Army as it tries to occupy Pokrovsk and just to the east, Myrnohrad.

With Russian forces advancing, Ukraine is racing to fortify its defensive lines. Trenches, tank traps, and concrete barriers known as dragon’s teeth now line the fields of the Donbas. Tree lines are being cleared to deny the Russians cover, and minefields are expanding.

Yet, without sufficient manpower to fill these trenches, the fortifications offer limited protection. Soldiers note that reinforcements often lack the training and cohesion needed for effective defense, further straining Ukraine’s efforts to stabilize its positions.

The recent election of Donald J. Trump as U.S. President has injected uncertainty into Ukraine’s war effort. While the Biden administration granted permission for Ukraine to use American-provided weapons for strikes deeper into Russian territory, questions remain about whether robust U.S. support will continue under a new administration.

For Ukrainian forces, the stakes could not be higher. The availability of Western military aid—particularly artillery, munitions, and advanced weaponry—remains a critical factor in their ability to resist Russian aggression.

Drone footage shared by Ukrainian soldiers offers a stark glimpse into the brutality of the conflict. Fields littered with lifeless bodies, smoldering vehicles, and destroyed equipment underscore the extraordinary violence that defines this war. Ukrainian troops describe the constant pressure of 24/7 engagements, where moments of rest are fleeting and survival depends on both skill and luck.

Despite the challenges, Ukrainian forces continue to inflict heavy losses on their adversaries. Drone strikes, ambushes, and other defensive tactics have exacted a steep toll on Russian forces, forcing them to pay dearly for each advance.

As winter sets in and the battlefield becomes even more unforgiving, the outcome of the war remains uncertain. For Ukraine, the immediate priorities are clear: replenish manpower, secure more artillery and munitions, and strengthen defensive lines. However, the broader challenges—economic strain, international diplomacy, and the human cost of prolonged conflict—loom large.

Continued support from Western allies will be crucial. Ukraine’s ability to hold the line against Russia depends on sustained military aid, humanitarian assistance, and diplomatic backing. With the geopolitical landscape in flux, the international community’s resolve will play a pivotal role in shaping the war’s trajectory.

The war in Ukraine has become a battle of endurance, testing the limits of both nations. For the Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines, every day is a fight for survival—a testament to their resilience and determination. As the world watches, the question remains: how long can Ukraine endure, and at what cost?