Senior Ukrainian commander sees imminent ‘turning point’ in war

Ukraine’s Third Army Corps commander Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky has stated that the next six months represent a critical ‘turning point’ in the war against Russia, arguing that Moscow’s forces are exhausted and incapable of major breakthroughs. In an interview with Reuters, Biletsky—who founded the Azov Battalion and now leads one of Ukraine’s most respected units—said Ukrainian troops could push Russia back from remaining contested areas in the Donetsk region if they maintain momentum. Russian advances have slowed this year following their full-scale invasion in February 2022, with gains grinding to a halt amid fatigue among their forces. Ukraine has intensified medium-range drone attacks on Russian logistics and air defenses, while Elon Musk’s Starlink service has been cut off from Moscow, complicating Russian operations. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claimed last week that Ukraine had retaken nearly 600 square kilometers of territory in 2026, though the figure remains unverified. Biletsky emphasized the need to secure strategic positions before entering peace talks, stating that Ukraine must ‘speak with the Russians from a position of strength.’ The Donetsk region remains a key stumbling block, as Russia demands full control while Ukraine refuses to cede territory Moscow has failed to conquer. Analysts, including the Finland-based Black Bird conflict-analysis group, agree that Russian forces are showing signs of exhaustion, though Ukraine faces its own challenges, including a manpower shortage. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces are now ‘actively challenging the positional character of the war,’ with potential for limited mechanized assaults in the near future. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry has not responded to requests for comment, and President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly vowed victory while insisting the war is nearing an end. Ukraine’s strategy hinges on seizing the initiative before Russia can regroup, with Biletsky asserting that military pressure could force Moscow to abandon its territorial ambitions. The coming months will determine whether Ukraine can translate battlefield gains into diplomatic leverage or if the stalemate persists.