Russia Declares Special Operations in Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. In the first few hours of the war, it seemed like it was already over before it had begun. Russian troops made plenty of gains, Ukrainian border guards were surrendering, and Ukrainian forces were put in retreat. However, after the initial shock and awe of the Russian attack had worn off, numerous faults were revealed in the Russian invasion. They failed to take any area of strategic value and hold it aside from a few checkpoints and villages, they failed to gain air superiority, and the losses they took encouraged forces in Ukraine to put up more stubborn defenses. Nevertheless, the Russian advance continues.

The Russian attack on Ukraine has been brutal and swift. Russian gains have been staggering and plenty of Ukrainian border guards have surrendered. However, behind all this the Ukrainian army has not simply dissolved as many claim. The bulk of Ukrainian troops were put into a fighting retreat, abandoning their initial positions for secondary ones, but also fighting as they retreated. Once the Ukrainians reached these positions, the Russians almost immediately started slowing down. Local forces who have been trained for ambush attacks started doing just that. On top of that rumors of a fighter ace “The Ghost of Kiev” who was rumored to have shot down six Russian aircraft on the first day served as great propaganda tools for the media. The total Russian losses for the first day of the war were reported as 800 casualties (killed and wounded) 30 tanks, seven aircraft and six helicopters. Ukrainian military casualties are unavailable. 

Since then, however, Russian losses have gotten worse. According to Reuters.com, “LVIV, March 6 (Reuters) - More than 11,000 Russian troops have been killed since Moscow launched an invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Ukrainian armed forces' general staff said on Sunday.” An important thing to note however: in war the truth is often skewed. Casualties are often inflated or deflated for propaganda resources. Hence why it is difficult to come across accurate sources on both sides. The Russians have also encountered numerous setbacks during the invasion. Numerous defense analysts have remarked how the Russian plan lacks cohesion, citing the massive convoy around Kiev as an easy target. They have also remarked on the terrible logistical situation the Russians have put themselves in. According to Defense One, “A 40-mile column of Russian invaders has stalled on the way to Kyiv, opening itself to attack by Ukrainians, a senior defense official told reporters Wednesday. “We believe that the convoy is stalled,” the official said. “They are not moving at any rate that would lead one to believe that they've solved their problems,” which still include a lack of food, fuel, and spare parts.” 

Despite Russia's setbacks and humiliations, they gain ground daily. Experts predict that while they have stalled for now, if peace isn’t restored soon, or the west doesn’t intervene, then Ukraine will eventually fall. However, most say that the damage is already done, relating it to the Winter War of 1940 when Soviet troops invaded Finland and, while winning, were utterly humiliated. Some even say Russia’s military prestige has been permanently damaged. No matter what, the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, pray for the VDV stuck in the elevators in Ukraine.