While the frequency of Russian missile strikes is decreasing due to a lack of ammunition, Ukraine can hardly take advantage of the moment. The counter-offensive, which is actually expected soon, has also come to a halt – sufficient reserves would have to be formed first, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak said on Friday. He speaks of a delay of up to two months.
“We need to increase the supply of heavy 155 mm artillery shells and long-range missiles,” Podoljak told Italian newspaper La Stampa. Independent military experts had previously considered an earlier date possible.
Planes, tanks, missile defense
Podoljak estimated the need for armored vehicles to liberate other occupied territories at 400 to 500. Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Salushnyi had stated a similar number in the past. According to Podoljak, fighter jets are also needed to intercept ballistic missiles and control the airspace. The 51-year-old did not comment on the strength of the planned counter-offensive.
At the same time, Russia has few options for its own offensive actions. “Active enemy offensive actions will continue towards Bakhmut, Wuhledar, Lyman and Soledar,” Podoljak predicted.
Russia: “Everything is going according to plan”
At the same time, Russia is preparing for a Ukrainian attack on the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed in 2014. “Everything is going according to plan,” Kremlin region head Sergey Aksyonov said in an interview with state news agency Ria Novosti. The experience of current combat operations was taken into account.
“We’re taking an atypical, asymmetrical approach,” said the 50-year-old. Satellite images had revealed extensive fortification lines on the isthmus to the peninsula. In addition, according to similar recordings, trenches have already been dug on beaches on the peninsula. Ria Novosti reported that about 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers were already concentrated in this area.
Russian troops moved
Russia may also be preparing to resume its military offensive around the frontline city of Wuhledar in eastern Ukraine, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This was evident from the movement of troops in the Donbass region, the ISW writes in a report published on Thursday (local time). There is also evidence of requests to increase ammunition in this part of the front.
Continued difficulties in obtaining supplies – both troops and ammunition – could deter Russian troops from actually advancing, it said. The Russian army is currently sending a large part of the available artillery ammunition to its troops in Bakhmut. The city, which has been fighting for months, is threatened with encirclement. However, as a strategically important “fortress” in the Donetsk region, it is still defended by Ukrainian troops.
Less and less missile attacks
According to British intelligence experts, the frequency of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine is likely to decrease. This is evident from the daily intelligence update from the Ministry of Defense in London on Friday.
According to this, Moscow is running out of missiles. Indication that the latest wave of rocket attacks on Thursday used several projectiles, some of which were misused.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
