Russian forces seize Velyka Novosilka, exposing Ukraine’s manpower crisis
By isabelle // 2025-01-28
Copy
 
  • Russian forces captured Velyka Novosilka, a key Ukrainian defensive hub in southern Donbas, marking a critical turning point in the conflict.
  • The loss exposes Ukraine’s weakening frontlines and raises concerns about its ability to sustain resistance against Russia’s advance.
  • Ukraine faces a severe manpower shortage and dwindling Western support, leaving it vulnerable to Russia’s overwhelming troop numbers.
  • Russia’s attrition strategy, prioritizing gradual territorial gains, has proven effective in eroding Ukraine’s defenses.
  • The fall of Velyka Novosilka complicates peace talks and underscores Ukraine’s precarious position as the war drags on.
In a significant blow to Ukraine’s defensive efforts, Russian forces have officially seized the strategic town of Velyka Novosilka in the southern Donbas region, marking a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict. The fall of this key defensive hub, confirmed by Ukrainian officials on Sunday, underscores the growing challenges Kyiv faces as it struggles with a dire manpower shortage and dwindling Western support. The loss of Velyka Novosilka not only exposes Ukraine’s weakening frontlines but also raises questions about the sustainability of its resistance against Russia’s relentless advance.

A strategic disaster for Ukraine

Velyka Novosilka, located just 15 kilometers from the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, was one of Ukraine’s last major strongholds in the southern Donbas region. Its capture by Russian forces follows weeks of intense fighting and a tactical withdrawal by Ukrainian troops to avoid encirclement. While Ukraine’s 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade claimed the retreat was a strategic maneuver to minimize losses, Russian footage of troops raising flags in the town center suggests a decisive victory for Moscow. The loss of Velyka Novosilka is particularly devastating because it opens a direct path for Russian forces to push further into central Ukraine. Analysts have long warned that the town’s fall would leave Ukrainian defenses in the region dangerously thin. This development comes on the heels of Ukraine’s earlier retreat from Vuhledar, another key defensive position, which Kyiv initially dismissed as “unimportant” but has since proven to be a costly miscalculation.

Ukraine’s manpower problem

The fall of Velyka Novosilka highlights a grim reality for Ukraine: Its military is running out of soldiers. In the early stages of the war, Ukraine relied heavily on Western mercenaries, NATO weapons, and financial aid to bolster its defenses. However, that support has dried up over the past 18 months, leaving Kyiv to face Russia’s overwhelming manpower advantage alone. “Our units, using the weather conditions, skillfully withdrew from areas where there was a threat of encirclement,” the 110th Brigade stated on Telegram. “This does not mean that we have completely left the city, the fighting in Velyka Novosilka continues. All actions are aimed at minimizing our own losses and maximum damage to the enemy.” Despite these claims, the brigade acknowledged that Russian forces hold a significant edge in troop numbers, a disadvantage Ukraine cannot easily overcome.

Russia’s attrition strategy pays off

Russia’s capture of Velyka Novosilka is a testament to its effective use of attrition warfare, a strategy that prioritizes grinding down enemy forces over swift territorial gains. This approach has allowed Moscow to steadily erode Ukraine’s defenses, despite initial setbacks in 2022. The Kremlin’s patience and willingness to absorb heavy casualties have paid off, as evidenced by its recent territorial advances. The fall of Velyka Novosilka also complicates the prospects of peace talks, which the Trump administration has been attempting to broker. Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to agree to any deal that requires relinquishing control of the Donbas, a region Moscow now firmly dominates. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains resistant to negotiations, clinging to the hope that Western nations will eventually deploy troops to the frontlines—a scenario that seems increasingly unlikely as public support for the war wanes in the U.S. and Europe.

A bleak outlook for Ukraine

The loss of Velyka Novosilka is more than just a tactical defeat; it is a stark reminder of Ukraine’s precarious position. With its manpower dwindling and Western aid uncertain, Kyiv faces an uphill battle to hold its remaining territory. The fall of this strategic town not only strengthens Russia’s grip on the Donbas but also raises the specter of further losses as Moscow continues its relentless offensive. As the war drags on, the question is no longer whether Ukraine can win but how much more it can endure. The fall of Velyka Novosilka is a sobering reminder that, without a significant shift in strategy or support, Ukraine’s fight for survival is becoming increasingly untenable. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com TheGuardian.com EuroNews.com
Copy