Title: Russian Forces Intensify Military Operations in Ukraine, Counterattack Faces Challenges
Subtitle: Losses and Fortifications Pose Challenges for Ukrainian Counterattack
Date: June 19, 2023
Over the past hours, the Russian forces have escalated their military operations against Ukrainian forces, as the Russian Ministry of Defense announced an intense strike using long-range, high-precision weapons from the sea. The strike targeted storage sites for Western-made military equipment on Ukrainian territory, coinciding with military pressure in the southern axis against Ukrainian forces.
According to a Russian military expert, these field moves indicate the imminent end of the war and the failure of the Ukrainian counterattack, citing the losses suffered by Kiev, particularly in terms of armored vehicles and tanks. However, another Ukrainian source believes that Russia’s losses have doubled in the past week, prompting Moscow to search for a settlement.
In the early days of the counterattack, Ukraine experienced significant losses across all combat axes. Statistics show that Ukraine lost 3,715 soldiers, 52 tanks (including 8 Leopard tanks and 3 AMX-10 wheeled tanks), 207 armored vehicles, 5 aircraft, 2 helicopters, 48 field artillery, 134 vehicles, and 53 drones.
The Ukrainian army reported that Russia carried out 43 air strikes, 4 missile strikes, and 51 attacks from missile launchers within a 24-hour period.
Hoffman Marchenko, an expert at the Russian National Center for Military Studies, explains that Moscow adopts the theory of French general Napoleon Bonaparte, “the best means of defense… attack.” The Russian forces have established a strong first line of defense, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to penetrate their territory. The Russian defense includes artillery and missile bombardment, as well as march attacks.
Marchenko highlights several factors that have hindered the Ukrainian counterattack. The collapse of the Nova Kakhovka Dam near Kherson disrupted attempts to undermine Russian positions. The muddy terrain in southern regions delays the movement of heavy weapons and the establishment of fortifications. The Russian forces are well-prepared and equipped, particularly in the Bakhmut axis in the east and Zaporizhia in the south. The Ukrainian forces face challenges in breaking through the Russian defense lines, which are protected by minefields, heavy artillery, and drones. Additionally, the Ukrainian forces lack adequate air power to protect themselves and are under intense fire from Russian helicopters and drones.
Ukrainian forces are striving to remove Russian forces from the ruined suburbs of Bakhmut, which had been under Russian control for over six months. Kiev claims to have regained control of approximately 100 square kilometers of its territory within a week of launching its counter-offensive against Russian forces.
The Ukrainian counterattack will proceed in successive stages, and the absence of large-scale successes does not diminish its significance. Both the West and Russia anticipate a prolonged war, with each side adhering to its demands.
According to Alexandrovich Yevgeny, a military specialist at the Ukrainian National Institute, the southern front between Zaporizhia and the Sea of Azov serves as a corridor linking Russian lands. Crimea has become heavily fortified, as the Russians took advantage of the time to prepare for a counterattack and strengthen their lines of defense.
Yevgeny highlights the extensive fortifications in the area, including minefields, concrete barricades known as “Dragon’s Tooth,” strong firing positions, deep trenches, and artillery batteries in fortified centers. The Russians also control the heights and utilize drones on the first front lines.
In a recent development, the Moscow Duma approved a new bill allowing the Ministry of Defense to sign contracts with convicted criminals to fight in Ukraine. This move aims to compensate for any human losses without resorting to costly conscription, both financially and militarily.
As of now, Ukraine has temporarily halted its counterattack on Russian-controlled areas to re-evaluate its war strategy, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with the Ukrainian forces facing significant challenges in their counterattack against Russian forces. The ongoing conflict continues to have far-reaching implications for both Ukraine and the international community.
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The obstacles that have hindered their counterattack. Efforts are underway to repair the damaged dam and improve movement in the muddy terrain. Ukrainian forces are also seeking assistance from Western allies for additional air support to counter Russian helicopters and drones.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian forces remain determined to regain control of their territory and push back against the Russian forces. The loss of Western-made military equipment and the significant casualties suffered by Ukraine have not dampened their resolve.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense as the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues to escalate. The international community is closely watching the developments and urging for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The intensification of Russian military operations in Ukraine is deeply concerning. This analysis highlights the potential implications, which undoubtedly involve increased tension and instability in the region. It is crucial for the international community to address this issue promptly and effectively to prevent further escalation.
The escalation of Russian military operations in Ukraine raises concerns over the stability of the region and potential geopolitical implications. Swift international response is crucial to address this growing threat and safeguard the sovereignty of Ukraine.