Russian Assaults on Kurakhove Fail Amidst Drone Defense

On September 12, Russian forces launched a significant assault on Kurakhove, deploying 46 vehicles, marking a record for that sector. The Ukrainian 46th Air Mobile Brigade effectively countered this attack using thermite drones, artillery, tanks, and infantry, resulting in the destruction, disabling, or damage of 44 out of 98 Russian vehicles and the death of 72 Russian soldiers in a single day. This high casualty rate is indicative of the challenges faced by Russian troops as they attempt to advance in eastern Ukraine. The Russian offensive had been gaining momentum since late last year, with notable progress made towards capturing the strategic stronghold of Pokrovsk. However, recent developments indicate a slowdown in these advances, as highlighted by the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies. The Russian military's efforts in Zaporizhzhia and the counterattacks in Kursk Oblast have also shown signs of deceleration, suggesting a shift in the dynamics of the conflict. Despite the Ukrainian military's successes, they are grappling with their own challenges, including the mobilization of sufficient personnel and equipment for defensive operations. The establishment of 14 new brigades aims to bolster their efforts, but the Ukrainian army currently possesses enough modern armored vehicles for only four of these brigades. This limitation poses a significant hurdle for Ukraine as they seek to maintain their defensive posture while also planning potential counteroffensives. The ongoing conflict has left both sides exhausted, with the Ukrainian forces needing to rest their veteran brigades that have been engaged in combat for over a year. The situation remains fluid, and while Ukraine has opportunities to strike back, the overall exhaustion of both militaries complicates the battlefield landscape.