In this photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on April 15, 2024, Russian soldiers participate in a military exercise somewhere in Russian-controlled Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine.
In this photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, Russian soldiers participate in a military exercise somewhere in Russian-controlled Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.
  • Russia squandered a major opportunity to make battlefield gains, says strategist Mick Ryan.
  • Despite recent momentum, Russia's made little forward progress, and its gains have come at a high cost.
  • Ukraine's improving military posture and strategic prospects challenge Russia's attrition tactics.

Russia missed out on an opportunity to steamroll Ukraine and secure notable battlefield gains, former Australian major general Mick Ryan said on Tuesday.