Eng
Esp

Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Let’s not create a high expectations trap as to where Ukraine would advance soon, Bielieskov says

byEuromaidan Press Contributor
21/11/2022
2 minute read
Ukrainian troops fire from a howitzer on the front. Photo: General Staff
Let’s not create a high expectations trap as to where Ukraine would advance soon, Bielieskov says
Article by: Mykola Bielieskov
In his Twitter thread, Mykola Bielieskov, Research Fellow at National Institute for Strategic Studies under the Ukrainian President, argues that the Ukrainian troops are not necessarily going to continue conducting large-scale counteroffensives during the winter time.
Mykola Bielieskov, Deputy Director at the Institute of World Policy. Source: FB

I am going to voice an uncommon idea as to these days’ expectations out of UA forces, but… So, let’s slow down a little bit narrative “Where the Ukrainian forces are going to advance next soon?” The reason is not to create a trap of high expectations. Now let’s explain my perspective.

But also 2022 campaign was very challenging, demanding, and in the end exhausting for Ukrainian forces. Nine months of high-intensity interstate war is really a taxing thing. People need rest and equipment – proper maintenance.

In warfare (especially land warfare), not only the enemy is causing a major strain but the very task of projecting power is very demanding. And there can’t be a continuous sequence of actions, it’s activities and then some regrouping.

Second. Yes, Ukraine is pushing Russians at Luhansk Oblast but at the same time has to repel constant Russia’s assaults at Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Vuhledar directions. There are dozens of daily Russian attacks in these three directions with an unprecedented level of ferocity.

For Ukraine, it’s better to exploit this Russian stubbornness and inflict major damage on Russians through active defense.

In general, Ukraine’s theory of victory as events of 2022 attested is to play from active defense being side inferior in artillery/armor – inflicting major damage on advancing Russians and accruing resources for a counteroffensive.

Third. The major task this winter is just to go through it and simultaneously preserve as much morale/resolve/strength of UA troops as possible and do as much so Russians are not able to do the same trick.

Sure, Ukraine’s long-range precision firepower will do as much as possible to guarantee miserable life for Russians in the field targeting logistics. Either way, the Ukrainian troops at the front will do as many troubling actions as possible.

But really let’s not create an expectations trap. The Ukrainian troops did an incredible job in 2022. But they also need some rest.

Read also:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts
    Read More

    Frontline report: Ukraine’s complex drone and missile strike on Crimea exposes positions of Russian air defense

    On 12 August 2023, Ukrainian Air Force conducted a complex drone and missile strike on Crimea. Ukraine attacked western Crimea with a group of cheap drones, while Crimean bridge with two missile attacks. While there is little information about damage, Ukrainians collected valuable information about Russia's air defense.
    byReporting from Ukraine