Russia amasses more than half a million troops on the front line in dramatic bid to overpower Ukrainian forces as analyst warns outlook for Western-backed nation 'is bleak'
- Vladimir Putin's army significantly outnumbers western-backed Ukraine
Russia has amassed more than half a million troops on the front line in a dramatic bid to overpower Ukrainian forces, analysts say.
Vladimir Putin's army significantly outnumbers the Western-backed troops, forcing them to use up ammunition supplies.
Dr Jack Watling, from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said: 'The Russian forces have now expanded to 510,000 troops.
'The outlook for Ukraine is bleak. Its allies must replenish stockpiles.'
The warning came as Russia continued its advances in northern Ukraine, which threaten the country's second city, Kharkiv.
![Vladimir Putin 's army significantly outnumbers the Western-backed troops as it has amassed half a million troops on the border. A still image froma video shows tanks and military vehicles in Maslovka, Voronezh Region, Russia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/15/01/41597790-13419181-Last_month_a_massive_troop_build_up_in_Russia_s_south_and_south_-a-82_1715732210143.jpg)
Vladimir Putin 's army significantly outnumbers the Western-backed troops as it has amassed half a million troops on the border. A still image froma video shows tanks and military vehicles in Maslovka, Voronezh Region, Russia
![Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggested the advances had 'caught the West napping'. Pictured: Smoke rises in the aftermath of a Russian strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/15/01/84877793-13419181-image-a-85_1715732289592.jpg)
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggested the advances had 'caught the West napping'. Pictured: Smoke rises in the aftermath of a Russian strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggested the advances had 'caught the West napping'.
It may also have prompted a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kyiv yesterday to reassure president Volodymyr Zelensky that US military aid was 'on its way'.
Mr Blinken said: 'We know this is a challenging time.
'But US aid is going to make a real difference against the ongoing Russian aggression on the battlefield.'
A $60billion package was recently approved by Congress after months of disputes involving Republican lawmakers.