However, whereas the Russian armed forces have been unable to make any significant or lasting gains, they have faced a well-armed and galvanised opposition.
In recent months, ground troops have been forced into humiliating setbacks, ceding territory in the east towards the Donbas region, as well as currently being in the process of retreating from Kherson, a port city in the south.
As winter sets in, it is believed the Russian military are attempting to establish defensive positions before fighting is scaled back.
The MoD said today that on Thursday, Major General Alexander Linkov was reportedly appointed acting commander of Russia’s Central Military District.
source: express.co.uk