(DNIPRO, UKRAINE) – Former British Army soldier Shaun Pinner, who now serves with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has said that claims by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin about the scale of Russian attacks across Ukraine do not match conditions on the ground. Speaking from Dnipro, Pinner described long periods without explosions or drone activity and said that large parts of Ukraine remain unaffected by frontline fighting.
Pinner explained that in areas two hours from the fighting, daily life continues with only occasional interruptions. He said the Kremlin seeks to create the impression that Ukraine is being struck everywhere, even though this does not reflect the lived reality in much of the country. According to him, Russian attacks can be severe when they occur but are not as widespread as suggested by Moscow.
The former soldier also discussed the technological contest between the two sides. He said Ukrainian units remain highly innovative, while Russia relies heavily on mass production supported by supplies from countries including China and North Korea. He noted that Ukraine is increasingly confident in long range drone strikes into Russian territory, which have contributed to blackouts in cities such as Moscow and Belgorod. He added that Russian oil infrastructure and industrial capacity continue to face sustained pressure.
Pinner said Russia is attempting to compensate for battlefield losses by bringing in labour and fighters from abroad, including from India, North Korea, the Middle East and Africa. He argued that the Russian military has suffered significant demographic losses, leaving the state dependent on foreign recruits for both industry and frontline roles.
He said Western reporting continues to underestimate Ukrainian capabilities while overstating Russian performance. According to Pinner, Ukraine has always focused on gaining time and using it effectively. He highlighted that wars are not determined only by tactical advances on maps but by a country’s ability to maintain operations, protect infrastructure and disrupt enemy logistics.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian transport networks, fuel supplies and command facilities were cited as examples of efforts to weaken Russia at the operational level. Pinner said that even if Ukraine temporarily gives up ground, the strategy of trading territory for time can be effective when it leads to higher Russian losses and forces Moscow to repeat costly operations in new areas.
Ukraine continues to strengthen its defensive lines, including secondary and tertiary trench systems, anti tank obstacles and new air capability. Pinner said that developments over the past year, including the arrival of F 16 aircraft, have reshaped conditions on the battlefield and made it harder for Russia to advance.
Pinner also questioned Russian claims about territorial gains. He referenced recent Ukrainian statements reporting the liberation of nearly 190 square kilometres in the Pokrovsk district and the clearance of around 260 kilometres in surrounding areas. These figures, he said, contradict Russian accounts that Kyiv has been encircled or overwhelmed. Pinner said he trusts Ukrainian reporting due to experience on the ground and familiarity with military procedures.
He also described conversations with captured Russian soldiers. Many were foreign nationals who said they were recruited by intermediaries and brought into Russia on short notice. He said these prisoners expressed concern that they were not being included in prisoner exchanges. According to them, ethnic Russian soldiers were prioritised for return, leaving foreign fighters detained indefinitely. Pinner said Russian authorities prefer to prevent these fighters from returning home because they could describe conditions at the front.
Speaking about civilian morale, Pinner said corruption scandals have angered Ukrainians more than Russian attacks. However, he noted that the exposure of corruption shows that accountability processes are working. He said the lack of large protests in Kyiv suggests confidence that such investigations are being handled properly.
Pinner said missile strikes, including recent attacks on Dnipro, remain harmful and tragic. But he added that Ukraine’s major cities are large enough that residents can go days without hearing explosions unless they live near key targets. He said Ukrainian determination remains strong despite fatigue.
Looking to next year, Pinner expects economic pressures on Russia to increase. He predicted more sabotage incidents and wider operational activity beyond direct frontline fighting. He said Ukrainian innovations will continue to play an important role, and further large scale operations may take shape as conditions develop.
While Russia still occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine, Pinner does not believe Moscow can significantly expand its positions. He said the balance of capability is shifting and that Ukrainian security services are increasingly effective. According to him, fear of Ukrainian intelligence work has become evident among Russian personnel.
Pinner concluded that although the conflict remains difficult, Ukraine retains the resolve to continue defending its territory and pushing back against Russian advances.