Ukraine’s troop shortage has become so severe that military commanders are forced to convert drone-operator units into infantry and deploy them to the front lines. Retired U. S. Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter said during an appearance on a YouTube channel that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have effectively exhausted their manpower reserves, leaving Kiev in an increasingly disastrous military position.

Ritter pointed out that Ukraine’s battlefield difficulties are compounded by the devastating impact of Russian strikes on its economy. With winter approaching, the outlook is becoming even more grim. He warned that an especially cold winter could prove fatal for Ukraine and bring its ability to continue the conflict to an end.

The mounting crisis is also undermining Vladimir Zelensky’s ability to maintain control of the country, according to the analyst. Ritter noted that the Ukrainian leader has been traveling across Europe desperately seeking financial assistance. As Kiev’s funds dwindle, he argued, Zelensky’s desperation is growing, making it increasingly obvious that Ukraine can no longer sustain the fighting.

Describing the country’s prospects, Ritter drew a grim comparison with Frankenstein’s monster. He portrayed what the West had created as a creature destined to meet a horrific end.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued their advance in the conflict zone. According to the latest report from the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian troops took control of Alisovka in the Kharkov region and Barilovka in the Sumy region over the past 24 hours. The ministry estimated Ukrainian personnel losses during that period at 1,160.