2023-07-15 18:47:39
Amid American recognition of the slowness of the Ukrainian counterattack, the possibilities fluctuate regarding the results of Kiev’s military moves, between those who see it progressing somewhat, or that Western pressure on Kiev to force its attack to succeed may lead to counterproductive results, according to observers and experts.
In the details of the Ukrainian plan, revealed by the American New York Times, on Friday:
Kiev’s forces “aimed at reaching the Sea of Azov and dividing the Russian forces in the south, severing the Russian land bridge between Moscow and Crimea.” “This leads to a threat to the military supplies of the Russian army in the far west.” “Ukrainian forces also formed a bloc 5 miles from the Russian lines, and took control of the prefabricated fortifications erected by the retreating Russian soldiers.”
On the other hand, Russia is throwing all its military weight to prevent Kiev forces from continuing their counterattack, according to a warning issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, while a senior Ukrainian general reported that new progress had been made on the southern front.
Two experts, one Russian and the other Ukrainian, presented to Sky News Arabia their assessment of the progress of the counterattack and Ukraine’s plan, while reviewing the impact of continued Western pressure on the Ukrainian army and its military tactics.
American recognition of the slow attack
On Friday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in an interview with the American news network “CNN”:
“Russian minefields are the biggest challenge and the main problem for Ukraine during the offensive, and clearing them is difficult.” “The Ukrainian army still has significant forces to continue the battle.” “Kiev will become part of NATO after the end of the war.” Delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine could take months.
As for the Director of Operations at the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), General Douglas Sims, he said:
“The Ukrainian counterattack is not proceeding as quickly as Washington would like.” “Kiev is forced to fight very difficult battles.” “The advance of the Ukrainian forces is not easy in the shadow of the Russian mines.”
Cluster Bombs: An Armed Comparison Between Russia and Ukraine
“Sea of Azov tactic”
In a review of Ukraine’s plan to carry out the counterattack, The New York Times revealed that Kiev has made progress in its ongoing offensive since June 4, and has achieved the following:
Take control of the prefabricated fortifications erected by the retreating Russian soldiers. Attack at least 3 positions on the Russian front. Formation of a bloc 5 miles from the Russian lines. Planning to reach the Sea of Azov. If the plan succeeds, the Russian-controlled south would be divided into two regions, severing the land bridge from Russia to Crimea and threatening Moscow’s military supplies farther west.
Speaking to CNN, Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, one of those responsible for the counterattack, said that the cluster munitions sent by Washington “can radically change the battlefield,” and added:
“We are trying to penetrate the Russian defenses in southern Ukraine and split the Russian forces in two.” “Our forces will have the advantage after they get the cluster munitions.” “The attack made only modest gains in his mined area, and succeeded, but not as much as we would like.” “The Russians have created complex and extensive minefields in the areas that Ukrainian equipment and personnel will cross.” “We desperately need long-range ammunition.”
Sky monsters.. Marches are more powerful than missiles
“Panic strikes the West”
Commenting on these developments, the Russian military expert, Vladimir Igor, considered that “the failure of Ukraine’s counterattack makes the West panic, fearing Russia’s victory.”
Igor added to “Sky News Arabia” that the Ukrainian army is “on the brink of collapse,” and indicated that:
“Kiev suffered huge losses in equipment and lives.” According to some readings and information, Russia will launch a counterattack next August. “It is impossible for any Ukrainian counterattack to succeed, and Kiev’s plan to reach the Sea of Azov will not succeed because of the mines and impregnable Russian fortifications.” “The West is wasting its military and financial capabilities by sending arms to Ukraine, because it lacks military assets in the first place.”
Moscow and Washington… fears of a direct collision
As for the Ukrainian military expert, Oleksiy Stepanov, he considered that “Kiev is achieving gains and victories in the counterattack, on top of which is its ability to withstand a nuclear power like Russia.”
In his interview with Sky News Arabia, he said:
“Kiev announced its control of 9 thousand square kilometers and the recovery of about 7 towns and villages east of Kharkiv and Kherosun, during the counterattack.” “Ukrainian forces are advancing on the southern side towards Bakhmut and besieging the Russians.” “Kiev’s access to Western security guarantees and unprecedented aid may reverse the war’s compass in its favour.” “Russian fortifications and minefields limit the results of the counterattack.” “Western pressure on Kiev may eventually lead to the collapse of the offensive, not its success.”
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