Russia Is Finding the Gaps in Ukraine’s Front Line

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by Constant Méheut, Olha Konovalova and Tyler HicksJanuary 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Read Original Article

AI Summary

long article 8 min

Due to troop shortages, Ukraine is struggling to defend its entire 700-mile front line against Russia. In late December, Russian forces exploited a gap in the defenses of Huliaipole, a town in southeastern Ukraine, by infiltrating along a river under the cover of fog. They seized a Ukrainian command post, gaining access to valuable intelligence. The loss exposed the positions of Ukrainian drone operators, who then came under heavy fire. Ukraine has concentrated its forces on holding cities in the Donetsk region, leaving other areas vulnerable to Russian advances. This situation highlights the challenge Kyiv faces in allocating limited resources across a vast battlefield.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Pokrovske ×240% Lyman ×240% Zaporizhzhia 40% Dnipropetrovsk 40% Moscow ×250% Kyiv ×260% Donetsk ×260% Ukrainian Army 60% Dmytro Filatov ×270% Huliaipole ×580% Russia ×690% Ukraine ×1095%

Keywords

front line 90% ukraine 90% russia 80% troop shortage 70% huliaipole 70% military advance 60% military strategy 60% command post 60% donetsk region 50% dnipropetrovsk region 50%