Ukrainian forces have increased their attacks on Russian frontline positions in a surge of artillery strikes and ground assaults across multiple sectors of the front line, according to American and Russian officials. This may indicate that Kiev’s long-planned counteroffensive against Russian forces has begun. US military satellites detected the recent uptick in action from Ukrainian military positions, which provided officials with evidence that the counter-offensive has been launched. Although much of this operation remains secretive, Russian military bloggers suggested that Ukraine had advanced in some areas and that an even stronger attack had been launched early on Monday near the town of Velyka Novosilka. If the counteroffensive is successful, it could support Kiev’s push for longer term commitments for additional military aid and security guarantees from the West, and strengthen the hand of President Volodymyr Zelensky in any peace talks with Russia.
