War of attrition in Ukraine is unlikely to end soon

Significance After Ukraine’s summer counter-offensive failed to achieve any of its major objectives, Russia has regained the initiative in the ground war. It captured the frontline fortress town of Avdiivka on February 17: the war is not at stalemate. Its forces are pressing at other points along the frontline. Meanwhile, Ukraine has scored important victories at sea and in the air. Impacts Russia will be able to afford to maintain its record levels of military expenditure. Ukraine will rely almost entirely on foreign aid to bridge the gap between government expenditure and revenues. NATO members are unlikely to intervene directly in Ukraine.