Ukraine pushed Russia back in May for second month running, ISW finds
Ukraine recaptured more territory than it lost to Russian forces in May for the second straight month, according to data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark …
Ukraine recaptured more territory than it lost to Russian forces in May for the second straight month, according to data from the Institute for the St
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
The latest ISW findings underscore a critical shift in momentum along the front lines, signaling that Ukraine’s defensive strategies are increasingly compensating for Russia’s numerical advantages. This sustained counteroffensive push challenges Kremlin narratives of inevitable territorial gains, forcing Moscow to confront the limitations of its own military operations despite heavy expenditures.
Background Context
Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s battlefield performance has relied on a combination of Western aid, adaptability, and Russian attrition, but May’s gains mark the first prolonged period of territorial recovery without major seasonal offensives. Russia’s reliance on waves of poorly trained conscripts and dwindling ammunition stockpiles has compounded its strategic failures, despite claiming incremental advances elsewhere.
What Happens Next
Ukraine’s ability to maintain this momentum will hinge on sustained Western support, particularly artillery supplies and long-range strike capabilities, which have been pivotal in recent gains. Meanwhile, Russia’s response could escalate toward deeper mobilization or increased hybrid warfare tactics, as Moscow seeks to regain initiative amid mounting domestic pressures.
Bigger Picture
These developments reflect a broader pattern of protracted attrition warfare, where neither side can achieve decisive breakthroughs, prolonging a conflict that risks exhausting both economies and populations. The shifting territorial dynamics also highlight the growing role of drone warfare and electronic countermeasures in modern combat, reshaping traditional military doctrines.
