Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war has entered its eighth week. So far, Ukraine has liberated more territory than Russia captured during a months-long winter offensive. However, progress has been slower and harder than expected, and the offensive has turned into a protracted battle of attrition. Ukraine launched its first major attacks in the south on June 4th, but ran into trouble right away. Its Western-equipped brigades became bogged down and were targeted by Russian artillery and missiles. Ukraine has had to change tactics, sending in smaller units of infantry to proceed slowly. The slow progress is also due to the scale of Ukraine’s task and Russia’s stronger defense than expected.
Ukraine’s counter-offensive has been ongoing for eight weeks and has already liberated more territory than Russia captured during its winter offensive. However, progress has been slower and harder than expected, leading to a protracted battle of attrition that is likely to continue into the autumn. Ukraine launched its first major attacks in the south on June 4th, but faced trouble right away. Its Western-equipped brigades were targeted by Russian artillery and missiles, causing them to become bogged down. Ukraine has had to change tactics, sending in smaller units of infantry to proceed slowly. The slow progress is also due to the scale of Ukraine’s task and Russia’s stronger defense than expected.
Ukraine’s counter-offensive has encountered difficulties, including being targeted by Russian artillery and missiles, causing progress to be slower and harder than expected. Ukraine has had to change tactics and send in smaller units of infantry to proceed slowly. The slow progress is also due to the scale of Ukraine’s task, as Russian defenses are 30km deep in places and filled with tank traps and mines. Additionally, Russia has mounted a stronger defense than expected, conducting rapid counter-attacks in response to Ukrainian advances. Ukraine’s inability to breach Russian defenses and make significant progress has prolonged the battle of attrition.
