Russia Claims Seizure of 400 Sq.km. of Ukrainian Land Amidst Struggles for Western Aid

In a significant assertion, Russia announced on April 2 that its forces had captured 400 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory since the beginning of the year. These territorial gains mark Moscow’s first significant advancements in almost a year, underscoring the challenges faced by Kyiv amidst manpower and ammunition shortages aggravated by delays in crucial Western aid. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that Russian armed forces continue to push Ukrainian units westwards, citing recent annexations in the Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. The acceleration in Russian gains on the battlefield has raised concerns, with the Institute for the Study of War noting that Ukraine faces material constraints on its defensive capabilities due to delays in US security assistance and European deliveries of artillery shells.