The last week saw the forces of Ukraine retake a large part of the Russian controlled territory of Donbas. When Russia started this war last February, their tanks rolled over Ukrainian forces who did not think it would happen. That Russia was moving troops and vehicles just over the border was communicated by the United States. But to actually cross the border and invade Ukrainian land is a jump. However, one could point out that Russia already hinted at what they are capable of if we look at Crimea. The world resigned to Russia taking what they want. Months following the Russian so-called special operations, the world watched how the Ukrainians steeled themselves and fought back.
The Ukrainian forces armed with weapons from the West destroyed Russian tanks and killed Russian generals. They exposed Russian military weaknesses in tactics and logistics. They took back 2,500 square kilometers of territory as they sent Russian forces retreating. Russian losses in personnel and tanks this last months is equal to years spent fighting in Afghanistan. Retreating forces left ammunition boxes and serviceable tanks behind for the Ukrainian forces to use for themselves.
Ukraine sunk the Russian Navy Black Sea fleet flagship, the Moskva. They successfully defended the capital Kyiv. They were able to count on western allies to put economic pressure on Russia. They exposed civilian atrocities committed by units of the Russian army.
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