Kyiv has initiated a significant offensive against Russian forces as part of its ongoing counteroffensive that has been underway for several weeks, involving the deployment of thousands of troops in Ukraine’s southeast, according to reports from Western officials, Ukrainian sources, and analysts.
The focal point of this surge in military strength and firepower has been the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, as confirmed by a Western official.
Recent weeks have witnessed intensified fighting at multiple locations along the 930-mile frontline. Ukraine has employed advanced weaponry supplied by Western nations and trained its troops accordingly to confront the deeply entrenched Russian forces that invaded the country 17 months ago.
Although Ukrainian authorities have kept information about the developments on the battlefield mostly discreet since the commencement of their early counteroffensive operations, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar mentioned that their troops are making progress towards the city of Melitopol in the Zaporizhizhia region.
While there is a possibility that this movement is a tactical feint, both sides have a history of using disinformation to gain an advantage on the battlefield. However, this maneuver would align with the predictions of some analysts, who envisioned a counteroffensive aiming to break through the land corridor between Russia and the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula, advancing towards Melitopol, close to the Azov Sea coast. The goal would be to divide the Russian forces and cut off supply lines to units located further west.
The intense fighting is concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine, far from the capital, Kyiv, making it challenging to independently verify the claims made by either side.
The Institute for the Study of War, based in Washington, stated that Ukrainian forces executed a significant mechanized counteroffensive operation in the western Zaporizhzhia region, possibly breaking through pre-prepared Russian defensive positions. This information is based on Russian sources, including the Russian defense ministry and prominent military bloggers from Russia.
US officials, who have been supporting Ukraine with weapons and intelligence, refrained from commenting on the latest developments. However, they have previously urged patience, acknowledging that Ukraine faces a tough and lengthy endeavor to reclaim the territory seized by Russia since the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
As the situation unfolds, the conflict is likely to remain intense and challenging. The UK’s Ministry of Defence provided an intelligence update indicating that the Russian Ka-52 Hokum attack helicopter has been a significant weapon system in the sector. Russia has likely lost about 40 Ka-52s since the invasion, but the helicopter has also inflicted substantial damage on Ukraine.
In recent months, Russia may have augmented its forces in the south with some brand new Ka-52 variants, incorporating lessons from its experience in Syria. Notably, the Ka-52 fleet now includes the integration of a new anti-tank missile, the Lmur, with a range of approximately 9.3 miles. The Ka-52 crews have capitalized on opportunities to launch these missiles beyond the range of Ukrainian air defenses.
Source: With Agencies