Putin needs nothing short of a miracle to avoid a devastating defeat in Ukraine | Olga Chyzh

Troops melting away and Russians fleeing abroad to avoid mobilisation doesn't augur well for Putin's latest gamble

The Ukrainian counteroffensive is yet another major development in the Russia-Ukraine war that took Russia entirely by surprise. Images of fleeing Russian soldiers, leaving behind equipment as well as evidence of war crimes, have once again filled the media. Wiping out months of Russia's territorial gains, quick Ukrainian advances caused a domino effect; massive and chaotic Russian retreat left a huge hole in their defences.

Unable to stabilise the frontline after devastating defeats in Izyum and Kupiansk, Russia was forced to retreat along the Oskil and Seversky Donets rivers, leaving itself exposed to further Ukrainian advances and decimating any remnants of morale. Even the most pessimistic observers must admit that the way things are going, Russia needs nothing short of a miracle to avoid a devastating defeat.

Olga Chyzh researches political violence and repressive regimes. She is an assistant professor in the department of political science at the University of Toronto

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