The firepower imbalance might prove decisive as the battle rages on. Sensing an opportunity and apparently feeling confident in their chances, Russian commanders have shoved the 15th and 74th Motor Rifle Brigades into the salient along with elements of the 90th Tank Division and some special forces.

At least seven Ukrainian brigades and a separate battalion are fighting back: the 23rd, 25th, 47th, 100th and 115th Mechanized Brigades, the 25th Air Assault Brigade, the 3rd Assault Brigade and the 425th Assault Battalion. The brigades typically deploy just one battalion at a time.

It’s apparent the Russians have, in all, more than 10,000 troops in or near the salient. Just 3,000 or so Ukrainians oppose them, if the Center for Defense Strategies’ estimate is accurate.