In this compelling episode, we welcome back Francis Farrell, a seasoned journalist and reporter from the Kyiv Independent, to offer an unfiltered look at the war in Ukraine.

Farrell, known for his extensive frontline reporting, dives deep into Ukraine's pressing «manpower crisis», emphasizing it's predominantly an infantry issue. He vividly describes the brutal reality for soldiers, who are forced to endure «months in small dugouts and trenches» due to the overwhelming drone threat, making resupply and rotation incredibly difficult.

Farrell critically assesses the Ukrainian military's strategic decisions, including the controversial creation of new assault brigades under General Syrsky, which he argues often leads to «excess losses» without proportionate gains.

He also provides an in-depth analysis of the rapidly evolving drone warfare landscape, highlighting Russia's significant advancement in «fiber optic drones» and the operational success of units like «Rubicon.»

We explore the dire situation in «Kupyansk», where Russian infiltration tactics and the exploitation of «weak spots» in Ukrainian defenses have led to chaotic street fighting.

Farrell concludes with a sobering winter forecast, predicting a stabilization of the front but significant attrition for Ukrainian forces as drone warfare intensifies.

This episode offers crucial insights into the military complexities, ethical dilemmas, and human cost of the ongoing conflict.

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