"Definitely not their decision": Ukrainian officer explains decline in Russian offensive intensity

Speaking on Espreso, Tymochko stated:

"I am not optimistic that the enemy is slowing down on the front line or will continue to slow down. The decrease in their advance speed is definitely not their decision—it is a situation beyond their control. It resulted from our massive destruction of their strategic depots. Another factor is their relentless assaults, where they waste both equipment and personnel. Over the period of intense fighting, a significant amount of their equipment and artillery has been destroyed. Additionally, their advance is affected by our attacks on oil refineries and fuel depots, which are key sources of revenue. This, in turn, impacts both the direct and indirect funding of the Russian army, affecting their logistics and supply capabilities, which directly influences their movements on the front line."

The officer also pointed to the evident resource shortages in the Russian army. Specifically, Russian forces have reduced the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) on the front line.

"The Russian tactics of small infantry assaults supported by artillery and aviation are starting to stall. Also, in recent weeks, Russians have been using KABs less frequently and more selectively. This again indicates existing issues within the Russian army, particularly resource shortages. However, we must not forget that they continue hidden mobilization and are preparing for prolonged warfare," Tymochko added.

• On the night of January 29, Ukrainian intelligence drones struck a Lukoil oil depot in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 104 drones.
• On January 29, the UK Ministry of Defense stated that Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory demonstrate Ukraine's growing ability to target Russian infrastructure.