For two consecutive days, fierce fighting has erupted across southeastern Ukraine as Ukrainian troops launched multiple attacks on Russian-occupied territories to regain control. While Ukraine has been targeting vulnerabilities to exploit, analysts and officials are warning that it is too early to determine whether they will succeed in their efforts.
The severe flooding caused by the destruction of the major dam on the Dnipro River has affected both sides. Despite this, analysts and Western and Russian officials have confirmed that Ukraine’s counterattack against the Russian invasion is underway.
Two senior US officials, on condition of anonymity, confirmed Ukrainian casualties and equipment losses, though classified assessment of losses on both sides is still ongoing. Breaking through the Russian lines will be a significant challenge and will come at a high price, as Russia has constructed formidable defenses in the region.
The Russians have dug trenches, bunkers, and minefields, as well as erected concrete tank obstacles and gun emplacements. The flat ground leaves advancing troops vulnerable to Moscow’s artillery and air power. Ukrainian forces have abandoned or lost multiple tanks and fighting vehicles, with their defense relying on significant support from Western allies.
The Pentagon has just approved a $2.1bn military aid package, which includes air defense missiles and artillery shells, in support of Ukraine’s counteroffensive. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said that the enemy remains on the defensive.
While President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine described in a video address on Thursday night that his forces were making progress, he did not elaborate on the results of the ongoing battle. President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia publicly acknowledged Ukraine’s counterattack during his appearance in Sochi, Russia, on Friday, acknowledging the country’s “strategic reserves” but dismissing Ukraine’s progress to date.
Military analysts and Pentagon officials have become increasingly bullish about Ukraine’s prospects of reclaiming over 18 percent of its territory currently controlled by Russia. While analysts suggest this offensive will last for several weeks to months, Ukraine has yet to deploy all of the newly trained and equipped units it has prepared for this purpose.
Zaporizhzhia, the location of the biggest Russian defense system in Europe since World War II, has been the site of the heaviest fighting so far. The ongoing Ukraine counteroffensive intends to push southward toward the Sea of Azov and Melitopol, cutting off the land Russia has seized.
The flood caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam has affected both sides, with significant damage and loss of life reported. On Friday, Ukrainian officials revealed that Russian forces had targeted evacuation areas with shells, resulting in the death of two people.
While Ukraine will require considerable support from its Western allies, including the Pentagon’s recent military aid, Ukraine’s counteroffensive continues with the hope of reclaiming its occupied territories.
