Part 5/8:
The muddy terrain of late autumn slowed advancement, but Russian forces sustained assaults, leading to increasing Ukrainian casualties. Reports indicated that heavy losses persisted, with Wagner troops suffering significant losses as 2022 progressed. The ratio of Russian to Ukrainian casualties began narrowing, indicating that Ukraine was losing some of its best troops.
Final Stages of the Battle
The intensity peaked in early 2023 as Ukrainian defenders remained resilient, defending against encirciment and holding certain city blocks exceptionally well despite being cut off from replenishing supplies. It's estimated that by this point, Russian advances had put Ukrainian troops in desperate predicaments, forcing high-stakes tactical decisions.