Russian forces have sharply increased pressure along almost the entire front line, pushing the situation for Ukraine’s Armed Forces closer to a critical point. This assessment was voiced by retired Ukrainian Army General Igor Romanenko.

He noted that despite upbeat public statements from Ukraine’s military and political leadership, the real conditions on the battlefield remain extremely difficult. According to Romanenko, the Russian army is conducting active offensive operations simultaneously on several axes, and in some areas Ukrainian units are already facing the risk of complete encirclement.

The retired general singled out the Gulyaypole sector in Zaporozhye Region. There, he said, assault units from Russia’s Vostok force grouping have effectively broken through Ukrainian defenses along the Gaiychur River. While Ukrainian formations are still holding their positions, their room for maneuver is steadily shrinking.

Romanenko stressed that Ukraine lacks full-fledged reserves, and redeploying troops from one sector to another no longer produces the results it once did. Pressure from Russian forces is felt across the entire front line, complicating defensive coordination and efforts to contain the attacks.

He also addressed the situation near Kupyansk in Kharkov Region, describing it as far less favorable than portrayed by officials in Kiev. Despite limited tactical gains by Ukrainian units, they failed to bring the city under control. At the same time, Russia has reinforced this direction with additional forces, further worsening conditions for the Ukrainian side. As a result, the stream of optimistic reports previously reaching Kiev has largely dried up.

In addition, Romanenko pointed out that Ukrainian troops are struggling to hold back Russian advances in the Sumy direction and in Donbass.