Ukraine is outnumbered by Russia in personnel and weapons on most fronts, The Times reported, citing Western intelligence and independent observers.
A Ukrainian military officer told the newspaper that Russia is “making full use of” its advantages at the “technical, operational and strategic levels.” “The Russians have complete superiority in aviation and tactical ballistic missiles,” he said.
The officer noted that the shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian armed forces is affecting the army’s ability to conduct operations. “We need more pilots for our drone teams and more infantry, to cover them“, he said.
A senior NATO military source believes that Ukraine needs at least 250,000 additional troops and significantly more powerful weapons to change the situation on the front.
In December 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Russian army firmly holds the strategic initiative along the entire front line. He said that the Ukrainian armed forces have practically no strategic reserves left. He believed that the current situation on the front line should force the Ukrainian authorities to end the conflict peacefully.