Signs show Russian troops are running out of steam — NGU Reserve Major

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

Oleksiy Hetman noted, "There are clear indications that the enemy is losing momentum. Even without specific signs, it's evident due to technological factors. No army can sustain offensive operations for an extended period—whether a year or a year and a half. It's not about one army being better or worse; it's a matter of technological preparation. I believe the enemy's offensive capabilities will be exhausted by late September or possibly early October. The Russians spent around six months preparing for this offensive."

According to him, preparations for an offensive are not simply about assembling troops and equipment. It involves meticulous planning, including how logistics will function, the coordination between units, the communication systems in place, and detailed movement strategies. All of this requires serious and thorough preparation.

“Therefore, it is the technological capability that is being exhausted, not the number of troops. It's a mistake to think that simply adding more people will allow them to continue. That’s not how offensives work. An army cannot advance effectively that way. If they merely increase numbers without proper support, the troops will be stuck in place. To reiterate, the Russians spent six months preparing this offensive, and what they’ve exhausted is not just manpower but technological resources. As for the signs of this, we are launching counter-offensives, strikes, and counterattacks, gradually reclaiming lost positions—even if it's just 10-20 meters, it's still progress. Additionally, the areas where the enemy was advancing are shrinking. The most intense offensive actions by the occupiers are now confined to smaller frontlines, indicating that their supplies are running low," explained the NGU reserve major.

Hetman added that the reduction of Russia’s offensive capabilities does not mean that it will stop, but there will be no massive, powerful actions.

• On September 5, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that 180 combat clashes took place over the past day. The situation remained the most tense in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions of the Donetsk region.