IS UKRAINE WINNING? A year and a half after Russia invaded Ukraine with hopes of toppling its democratically-elected pro-Western government and quickly subdued the populace, the war is grinding on with Ukraine slowly clawing back territory in its south and east where beleaguered Russian conscripts are manning a long line of fortified trenches and tank traps.
The toll of the war has been staggering. Large areas of Ukraine, including several cities, have been reduced to rubble, and the combined combat casualty count is nearing 500,000. U.S. officials have told the New York Times that Russian casualties are approaching 300,000, with 120,000 deaths and 170,000 to 180,000 wounded. Ukraine is said to have suffered close to 70,000 killed and between 100,000 and 120,000 wounded.
