Ukraine's Counter-Offensive: Progress, Challenges, and Casualties

Two months into Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russian forces, progress has been slow and limited. While Ukraine has made small gains in some areas, Russia still occupies nearly one-fifth of Ukraine, including key cities like Donetsk and Mariupol. The extensive fortifications built by Russia, including trenches, bunkers, and landmines, have presented significant obstacles to Ukraine's advance. Ukraine's ambitions to retake Crimea have been scaled back, and the best they can hope for is potentially retaking Tokmak. The Russian military has proven to be innovative and effective in defense, using tactics such as booby-trapping trenches and laying multiple anti-tank mines. Ukraine, however, has the capability to launch missiles deep behind Russian lines, weakening their defenses from within. Time is not on Ukraine's side, as the rainy season and the US presidential election cycle approach, potentially affecting support from the US and NATO.