Ukraine is gearing up for a major counteroffensive against Russian forces in 2024, according to the country’s commander. In a televised interview, Lt-Gen Oleksandr Pavliuk, the country’s Ground Forces’ commander, revealed details of Ukraine’s strategy to seize the initiative on the frontlines and push back against the Russian occupation, according to UNIAN.2024
Earlier military experts suggested that 2024 would be a year of recovery and preparation for both sides, with Ukraine having one major goal for this year – to hold on, while being on the back foot due to the delayed foreign military aid.
The Ground Forces Commander says the Ukrainian plans involve stabilizing the current frontlines, destroying as many enemy forces as possible, and regrouping Ukrainian units in preparation for large-scale counterattack operations. Pavliuk stated that creating a “strike group” for these counterattacks is a key objective this year.
“Everything is being done to seize the initiative. Our task is to stabilize the front line, destroy the enemy as much as possible, regroup as much as possible to withdraw units that need to be restored, create a strike group and conduct counterattack operations this year,” said the Leutenant General.
According to him, Russia is desperately trying to capture more territory ahead of its presidential election. Intercepted communications indicate Russian forces are throwing undertrained recruits into battle with little regard for casualties.
Despite this, Ukrainian troops are holding strong in hotspots like the Avdiivka sector, Chasiv Yar, and Terny near Lyman, inflicting heavy losses on the Russians, Pavliuk says.
In late February, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the officials were working on an Action Plan to protect the country in 2024:
“We are doing everything possible and impossible in order to achieve a breakthrough. A plan for 2024 already exists; however, we do not discuss it publicly. It is powerful, strong, and provides not only hope, but also results in 2024,” he stated at the “Ukraine. Year 2024” forum.
Avdiivka remains the hot spot
UNIAN says Russians started using FPV drones to clear minefields in the Avdiivka sector, Donetsk Oblast, which may allow them to use armored vehicles in the battle.
According to Serhii Tsehotskyi, an officer of the Ukrainian Army’s 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, the Russian military’s morale is very low, but they are still trying to advance deep into the Ukrainian defenses.
Earlier, Tsehotskyi noted that the Russians have significantly reduced the number of KAB glide bomb attacks in the Avdiivka sector after shooting down their bombers, according to UNIAN.
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