Russia already fights with significant shortage of manpower, says Hnatov

According to Ukrinform, Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, made this statement in an interview with Report.az.

“The enemy’s losses are approaching the number of contract soldiers being recruited to replenish their ranks, and at times even exceed it. In fact, Russia is already conducting combat operations amid a significant manpower shortage. And this situation, according to our estimates, will only intensify,” he noted.

Hnatov added that there are currently no significant changes on the front lines.

“Despite its losses, Russia attempts to continue offensive operations every day. The enemy’s main efforts, as before, are concentrated on the Pokrovsk and Oleksandrivka (Donetsk region) sectors. I can state with certainty that, despite all their efforts, the Russian armed forces have neither strategic nor operational initiative,” he said.

According to him, Ukrainian defenders will do everything necessary to stabilize the situation, stop the enemy, and create conditions that force the enemy to come to the negotiating table.

“How long the war will last depends on how willing the Russian leadership is to continue it. Ukraine is ready to end the war and is committed to bringing it to an end, ensuring peace on its territory where hostilities are taking place, and resolving these issues without resorting to military means. We never intended to wage war. How long this may last depends on their actions. Opinions vary. It is quite difficult to make predictions about this war,” said Hnatov.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia suffers significant personnel losses every month, with over 35,000 killed and severely wounded in April alone.

Photo: General Staff