The battlefield landscape in Eastern Ukraine continues to transform as Russian forces implement sophisticated isolation tactics reminiscent of previous successful campaigns. Through an exclusive interview with Colonel AC Oguntoy, we gain unprecedented access to the strategic thinking behind what military analysts now call the "Sumy bottleneck."
At the heart of this strategy lies a fundamental shift away from direct confrontation. Rather than assaulting Ukrainian fortifications head-on, Russian forces are methodically severing critical supply and evacuation routes, creating what Colonel Oguntoy describes as "attrition on a schedule." Particularly around Unikovka, a single paved highway has become a lifeline for Ukrainian forces—and simultaneously their greatest vulnerability. Russian drone and artillery strikes have transformed this corridor into a "kill zone," forcing defenders to adopt increasingly desperate "mosquito logistics" by breaking supply efforts into smaller, harder-to-detect units.
The briefing reveals substantial gains across multiple fronts, with several settlements liberated in the north, west, and south. Colonel Oguntoy reports striking casualty figures, with Ukrainian forces suffering over 7,000 personnel losses in the past week alone and more than 70,000 in the Kursk Axis since the beginning of hostilities. The destruction of Western-supplied equipment—including US-made Bradley fighting vehicles and French VAB armored transports—underscores both the intensity of the conflict and NATO's significant material investment. Meanwhile, Russian air defenses have been exceptionally active, intercepting over 1,100 UAVs alongside conventional aircraft and guided munitions.
How will Ukrainian forces respond to this strategic chokehold? Can they establish alternative supply routes under such intense pressure? Listen now for the full briefing, and stay with Frontline Updates for continuing coverage of this evolving conflict. Share your thoughts on these developments and subscribe for weekly expert analysis of global military affairs.