Biletsky has suggested that a turning point in the war could occur in the coming months
Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps, told Reuters that the Russian army is becoming exhausted and is no longer capable of large-scale breakthroughs.
According to him, if Ukrainian forces can maintain the pace of operations for several months, this will allow them to seize the initiative on the front line and force Russia to abandon its plans to fully capture the Donetsk region.
“I believe that the next six to nine months will be decisive. To be more precise, the next six months will be the most critical,” Biletsky said.
He noted that Ukraine must identify areas where it can improve its positions and capture strategically important points.
“We need to identify the areas where we can improve our positions, capture certain strategic points, and then speak to the Russians from a position of strength, not weakness, about a truly stable ceasefire,” the commander stated.
Biletsky named the so-called “belt of fortresses” in eastern Ukraine as one of the key areas. This refers to a system of fortified towns that form the backbone of Ukraine’s defences in the Donetsk region.
According to him, Russian troops are attempting to advance in the Kostiantynivka area, but Ukrainian forces are holding the flank around Sloviansk and forcing the enemy to launch direct attacks.
The commander believes that such assaults are leading to significant losses for the Russian army and are exhausting its command structure.
“The shortage of personnel no longer allows them to advance as they did, for example, a year ago,” said Biletsky.
Biletsky also stated that Ukraine is actively using medium-range drones to strike at Russian logistics and air defence systems.
He claims that Russia is “radically losing out” in the field of military communications following the restriction of Russian troops’ access to Starlink.
At the same time, the commander noted that the sides remain roughly on a par in terms of technological development. According to him, Ukraine has the advantage in the field of ground-based robotic systems and heavy bomber drones, whilst Russia is ahead in the production of fibre-optic drones.
The Third Army Corps, according to Biletsky, is working on integrating robotic systems into combat operations and modernising military training.
He stated that the corps is actively using kamikaze drones and ground robots equipped with machine guns or rocket launchers to partially replace infantry.
According to the commander, the proportion of such systems could rise to 30% by 2027.
“The next revolution will allow commanders to conduct more creative combined assault operations whilst preserving personnel,” said Biletsky.
