Ukraine’s Battlefield Gains Likely to Slow After Swift Victories

After a string of pivotal wins against Russian forces since the summer, Ukraine faces mounting obstacles in achieving battlefield gains as it confronts troops who are dug in more deeply and the weather slows the tempo of fighting.

Ukraine will need to keep Moscow’s struggling forces destabilized and on the defensive without the likely prospect of achieving quick territorial advances, military analysts say. The degree of damage Ukraine can inflict on Russian troops while preserving its own forces will play a big role in shaping bigger battles when they resume, probably in coming months, they say.