It's death by a thousand cuts, warns former general as Ukraine war enters new phase

After six months of setbacks, failed counter-offensives and heavy losses, the Ukrainian armed forces are suffering "death by a thousand cuts", according to a former general.

Despite inflicting punishing losses on Russia, which is currently losing up to 1,200 soldiers per day, Ukraine is being strained by relentless Russian attacks in an attempt to wear down the country.

Retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan said: "It really is this death by a thousand cuts.

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"Ukrainians are having to defend against dozens and dozens and dozens of individual attacks across hundreds of kilometres of the frontline every day.

"That does slowly but surely weigh down a military and a nation."

Facing Russia's meat-grinder tactics has resulted in more than half a million casualties and is forcing Kyiv to adapt and develop new strategies to cope with the onslaught.

In the rest of the world, ongoing events could potentially affect the outcome of the conflict, according to Maj Gen Ryan.

Since the eruption of violence in the Middle East, including Gaza and the Red Sea, media attention around Ukraine has reduced.

This distraction could affect the amount of money and support Ukraine will receive.

He said: "Once Hamas attacked Israel and then Israel went into Gaza, that drew away not just a lot of political attention – it drew the attention of diplomats and strategic decision-makers.

"For example, CNN deployed almost all its teams from Ukraine to Israel, and that shapes public opinion.

"If Donald Trump does win the US election, it's been an assumption in many communities he'll seek to do a deal with Putin.

"That could be the case, or it could be the case Putin doesn't play ball."