How long will the Ukrainian counter-offensive last? Not much longer, experts agree. There is a threat of a long trench war that will continue beyond the winter months. This should especially appeal to Russian leaders. Vladimir Putin has long since changed his tactics – and may have underestimated the West.
Ukraine reports territorial gains every day, especially in the south of the country. But a real breakthrough is still lacking. Russian drones of Iranian design, a shortage of ammunition and mine-contaminated ground make the advance extremely difficult.
Expert: Reservists have been deployed on both sides
It is clear to experts that this cannot continue well for much longer. “It appears that both Ukrainian and Russian reserve forces are now being deployed. “It is now a question of who can better manage their forces and have sufficient ammunition,” US military analyst Michael Kofman recently told “Spiegel”.
The Kiev resident warned in May of the challenge posed by Russia’s vast defensive positions in the southeast of the country. Kofmann blames the West’s willingness to determine whether Ukraine will be able to conquer even larger territory. “This includes obtaining artillery ammunition for a new offensive. This will once again test the political will of the West. We must now start training the Ukrainians and acquiring equipment so that no more hasty attempts are made.”
Russia hardly has any ‘offensive potential’ left
Because one thing is clear: it will not become easier to liberate the occupied territories. “The Russians want to prolong the war and increase costs. Next year they will try to destroy the survivability of the Ukrainian state.” The hope in the Kremlin is to exhaust the political will in the West. According to Kofman, this is not a good strategy to win a war. The analyst sees little ‘offensive potential’ on the Russian side.
“The chance that they will conquer more territory, even in the Donbass, is very small. But the leadership has not given up the goal of destroying Ukraine. She will still spend a lot of resources on this.” And those resources would obviously become scarce. This would also explain Vladimir Putin’s shopping trips to Iran and North Korea. Ultimately, the Russian time game could backfire.
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.
