All articles tagged with #ukrainian counteroffensive
The ISW report details ongoing military developments in Ukraine, including Russian claims and Ukrainian counterattacks in Luhansk, Russia's military modernization efforts with motorcycles, Ukrainian strikes on Russian rear facilities, and the transition of Ukrainian forces to a corps structure, amidst deteriorating Russian-Azerbaijani relations and investigations into Russian war crimes.
Throughout 2023, Ukraine faced a series of grueling battles against Russian forces, characterized by attrition warfare and tactical innovation. The defense of Bakhmut became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, despite heavy losses on both sides. Ukraine's counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia aimed to cut Russian supply lines but faced immense challenges due to well-fortified Russian defenses and a lack of critical military supplies. Meanwhile, Russia regained the initiative in Donbas with a costly but politically motivated assault on Avdiivka. The year ended with uncertainty for Ukraine, as they held on to hope for continued Western support and the possibility of launching a successful crossing of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly given his Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu until early October to halt the Ukrainian counteroffensive, according to an insider source. The Russian military command may be ordering continuous counterattacks in an effort to undermine support for and confidence in Ukrainian forces, while framing Russian defensive operations as victories. However, the success of this strategy depends on preventing Ukrainian forces from breaking through and liberating large areas.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that the Ukrainian counteroffensive will not be definitively halted by winter weather, as Ukrainian forces are advancing on foot rather than relying on vehicles. The success of the counteroffensive will depend on the balance of forces between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Western aid. Ukrainian troops have reportedly continued to advance in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, with reports suggesting that they have cleared Russian positions between Robotyne and Novoprokopivka.
Soldiers in Ukraine's Spartan brigade are facing danger at every turn as they fight in Kyiv's counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces. Progress has been slow due to vast minefields and heavily fortified defenses. The Russian troops have expert knowledge of the terrain, having occupied the area for much of the 18-month-old war. Despite the challenges, the brigade members remain determined and proud of their work.
Russian troops have fortified the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant's nuclear reactors in preparation for a possible Ukrainian counteroffensive. The fortifications include sandbag fighting positions on the roofs of several reactors. The move increases the chances of damage to the plant's safety systems if fighting takes place around it. The heaviest fortifications have been erected in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, which sits along the strategically vital Sea of Azov and in between the Kherson and Donetsk regions. Ukrainian troops have been training with Western forces for months in preparation for its looming offensive.