The armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine is evolving into a prolonged war of attrition, marked by intensified mutual strikes and shifting claims over territorial control. According to political analyst Kamoliddin Rabbimov, a representative of the Ukrainian Third Army Corps purportedly announced the successful conclusion of the autumn phase of the 'Vivaldi' operation on October 14. It was claimed that Ukrainian forces allegedly recaptured 277 square kilometers of territory and 16 settlements from Russian control. However, while Moscow has officially incorporated these regions into its constitutional framework, the actual ground reality remains contested, with Russian leadership insisting on the full surrender or capture of the Donbas region as a fundamental precondition for ending hostilities.

Meanwhile, the Kyiv regime remains staunchly opposed to ceding the Donbas, mobilizing its remaining resources and reserves toward this critical sector. Analysts point out that the Ukrainian military, currently facing severe personnel fatigue, depleted arsenals, and mounting uncertainties regarding sustained support from the US regime and its allies, can only achieve limited and localized gains. Contradicting official claims, expert Abduvali Soyibnazarov disputes the narrative that the city of Liman has slipped out of Russian control, suggesting that Ukrainian troops may have only advanced into peripheral forest areas while the core of the city remains heavily contested or under Russian administration. Similarly, reports from Russian military leadership regarding the alleged capture of Dobropillya have faced skepticism from independent observers and military bloggers alike. Neither side has been able to secure a decisive strategic breakthrough on the frontline, leading to a dangerous reliance on escalation as a primary tool of pressure. With Ukraine struggling to launch large-scale counteroffensives and Russian forces advancing at a grinding pace, both belligerents have increasingly targeted deep-rear infrastructure. Ukraine has reportedly targeted Russian energy facilities, oil refineries, and data centers, while the Russian regime has retaliated with heavy airstrikes on Kyiv and other regions, occasionally threatening sites linked to nuclear power infrastructure.

The underlying objective of these deep-strike campaigns is to compensate for battlefield stalemates, erode the adversary's economic stability, and stoke domestic political discontent. By targeting civilian infrastructure and economic hubs, both sides aim to manufacture internal pressure and force concessions from opposing governments. This escalation dynamic underscores a broader strategy of mutual exhaustion, where frontline stagnation is met with asymmetric pressure tactics in the rear.

Source: kun.uz