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Speculation that Russian forces are collapsing in the East began with news that the occupied city of Izyum is once again under Ukrainian control. 

Since the beginning of September Ukraine has been executing a multi-front counter-offensive using millions of dollars of weapons provided by the EU and the US.

Last month, before the offensive, was launched, Ukraine forces strategically used Western-made weapons, including High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or Himars, against Russian front-line positions and supply lines.

Ukraine claims it successfully cut the main supply line to thousands of Russian troops near the Izyum. 

Ukraine offensive surprises Russian forces

According to the Wall Street Journal the collapse may have started with the capture of  Kupyansk last week. 

The rapid advance across the occupied northeast has taken the Russian military by surprise. And a new phase in the more than six-month war is beginning.

By Friday Zelensky claimed Ukraine had retaken control of more than 30 towns and villages in the Kharkiv region. And they were reinforcing the gains with soldiers and equipment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an announcement on Saturday touting his military’s success in and around the Kharkiv Oblast region. 

Zelensky says that since the start of September Ukrainian forces have retaken 2,000 square kilometers (770 square miles) from the Russians. To keep it in perspective that’s, double the land area they controlled on Thursday.

Russia falling “like an avalanche” 

The Associated Press reports that Ukraine’s tactical surprise has Russia backing up. And British analysts were surprised at the “economy of force.” Russia did not attempt to defend the important strategic link.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov reported to the Ukraine television channel that the Russians were left with no food or fuel for their area troops. And emphasized that Kyiv had cut off all Russian supply lines.

“It will be like an avalanche,” he said, predicting a Russian collapse. “One line of defense will shake, and it will fall.”

Izyum captured as Russia withdraws

 Ukrainian forces pushed even deeper into what has been Russian-controlled territory. And entered the Russian military stronghold of Izyum.

“Izyum was liberated today,” Mayor Valeriy Marchenko said. He was not yet back in the city himself but claimed to be in touch with the Izyum police. And said that emergency services were working to “clear the area of possible hazards before residents could return.”