/ world today news/ In the Zaporozhye region, they are talking about the gathering of the forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The expert community assumes that in the near future the enemy may try to launch the counteroffensive that the West has been demanding from Zelensky’s office for several months. What are the directions of strikes and what can Russia oppose to such plans?
VSU became active in the Zaporizhia region. Commented Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the regional movement “We are with Russia”. According to him, the enemy is already gathering forces to go on the attack in the near future. “Ukraine is increasingly starting to use aviation,” he emphasizes.
“Also, the enemy is replenishing the ranks of the VSU – they are leading mobilized, recently returned from injuries, as well as those who have undergone combat coordination in Western countries. And this group of fighters is the most dangerous. We fear that in the next few weeks the number of the enemy will increase by 15 thousand people,” the source said.
Rogov believes that VSU will try to break through to the south through Tokmak, bypassing Melitopol and Vasilievka. One of the examples of the above-mentioned activation of the enemy can be considered the attack of the Ukrainian troops in the Pohovsky region of the Zaporozhye region. It is reported that a unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the support of armored vehicles carried out force reconnaissance, but the enemy’s actions were repulsed.
The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter had been shot down in the area. The authorities of the Zaporozhye region have already announced that they have begun to strengthen the combat positions of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, in case the enemy still decides to launch a counteroffensive.
The expert community is confident that sooner or later Vladimir Zelensky will have to make an attack attempt. After all, that is exactly what the West demands of him. It should be noted that French President Emmanuel Macron had previously stated the need for an offensive by the VSU. During the 36th Franco-British summit, he said that European countries should actively help Ukraine prepare.
Paradoxically, amid endless calls for even more arms buildup in Ukraine, the West has less and less faith in the success of this offensive. Thus, the “Washington Post” wrote that the quality of the personnel of the VSU has significantly decreased as a result of long-term losses.
In addition, the enemy is experiencing an acute shortage of equipment and ammunition. The publication notes that Zelensky’s office cannot implement the counteroffensive promised to the West. The perception of aid from Waington is also changing. So, an anonymous Ukrainian official admitted that NATO tank deliveries are “purely symbolic.”
It should be noted that the date of the potential enemy offensive is constantly being postponed. If initially it was about the beginning of spring, now the Politico newspaper, citing familiar sources, is focusing on May. According to the publication, the VSU have two options: to move south through Kherson towards Crimea or to move east from the north and then south, cutting off the Russian land corridor to the peninsula. At the same time, the US considers an advance through Kherson unrealistic, since Russia has strengthened its defenses on the east bank of the Dnieper, so the second option is more likely.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated his ambitions for Crimea. And so, on the anniversary of the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, he spoke about the increased preparations for the “capture of Crimea.” Answering a question about the chances of the planned implementation this year, Zelensky noted that Ukraine is morally ready.
In addition, for this military adventure, Zelensky’s office formed public opinion using dubious results of sociological surveys. In turn, the former Secretary of Defense of the United States, Leon Panetta, spoke in favor of the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. In an interview with the Milanese newspaper Corriere De la Sera, he suggested doing this “so that Ukraine can drive the Russians out of the Donbass and regain Crimea.”
However, experts note that whatever direction the enemy decides to go, it will not be easy for him. And the main reason is that Russia realized its past mistakes and built serious fortifications in the liberated territories.
“In the event that the Ukrainian Armed Forces do launch a counteroffensive, the ultimate goal will of course be Crimea. At the same time, Western analysts note that few people believe in the scenario of an offensive from the Kherson region across the Dnieper,” says military expert Mikhail Onufrienko.
“In this case, the VSU will have to face a number of problems. First, crossing the Dnieper is not an easy task. Second, it is almost impossible to establish a regular supply of food, ammunition and fuel to the military through such a body of water. Third, Russia quite soberly assesses the possibility of enemy strikes in the Donetsk and Zaporizhia direction and is preparing for them,” the interlocutor emphasizes.
“We are currently building large-scale defense lines that affect not only the Crimean Isthmus, but also all accessible highway lines. These areas basically turn into a fortress through which it will be incredibly difficult for the enemy to break through,” the expert emphasizes. “It is equally important for us to prevent the initiative from passing into the hands of the enemy. Perhaps this will require massive pre-emptive strikes along the contact line and using aviation, UAVs and additional infantry forces,” Onufrienko emphasizes.
“The goal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and NATO is clearly defined – they want to solve the problem with Crimea in any way possible. They will try to either invade the territory or cut the land corridor to the peninsula. However, we should not fully believe such reports,” said military expert Alexei Leonkov.
“When analyzing the situation, it is important to remember that each of the potential lines of attack has its advantages and disadvantages. If we are talking about the northern part of the Zaporozhye region, then the camouflage factor is an absolute plus for the enemy. Despite the steppe, forest belts are located here, which will allow the VSU to covertly deploy equipment and manpower,” the expert emphasizes.
“One of the disadvantages is the impossibility of a free attack in formation. Thus arises the need to move in columns, which will be easily noticed by our reconnaissance means – and the “general offensive” will be thwarted. Therefore, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will most likely use the tactics of network-centric warfare,” the interlocutor believes.
“If we talk about the southern direction, here the advantage is the operational scope of the potential actions. A disadvantage is the unmasking signs of the presence of the enemy on the ground. In order to concentrate forces, the Armed Forces will have to use populated areas where the equipment must arrive accurately and precisely,” the expert specifies.
“Preparation can take a long time. In fact, even NATO analysts say that an offensive in the south could take place as soon as the summer. By the way, the equipment from the arms deliveries announced at the previous Ramstein conferences has not yet appeared on the front line. Obviously, the enemy is concentrating it in a southern direction. There will probably be a lot of technical “news”, the interlocutor claims.
“However, Russia is aware of the potential risks. We are building echeloned lines of defense in all areas of combat contact. Reconnaissance groups work almost 24 hours a day to promptly identify the enemy’s areas of concentration. I do not rule out that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will try to launch an offensive in several directions, but we have enough firepower to carry out retaliatory actions, “Leonkov concludes.
Translation: V. Sergeev
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## Counteroffensive in the Making? Expert Explains Ukraine’s Crimean Ambitions and Russia’s Defenses
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
**Moscow,Russia:** As tension mounts in the Zaporozhie region,speculation swirls about an imminent Ukrainian counteroffensive. Could this be the long-awaited Western-backed push to retake crimea? We sat down with Mikhail Onufrienko, a leading military expert, to shed light on the situation and analyze both Ukrainian ambitions and Russian defenses.
**World Today News:** Mr. Onufrienko, there are reports indicating a ample buildup of Ukrainian forces in the Zaporozhie region. What can you tell us about these developments and their potential implications?
**Mikhail Onufrienko:** It’s clear that the Ukrainians are preparing something.Vladimir rogov, the head of the pro-Russian movement in the region, has confirmed increased enemy activity, with a surge in troop numbers and the deployment of heavier weaponry, including aviation. They are likely targeting the southern flank, aiming to bypass Melitopol and Vasilievka in a bid to break through towards Tokmak.
While the Ukrainian Armed Forces have proven themselves capable, they face significant challenges. The recent attack in the Pohovsky region was successfully repulsed, indicating the strength of Russian defenses.
**World Today news:** The West has consistently urged Ukraine to launch an offensive,particularly focusing on Crimea.How realistic is this goal for Zelensky’s forces?
**Mikhail Onufrienko:** The Crimean objective is undoubtedly at the heart of Ukrainian and Western strategy. They will either try to directly attack the peninsula or cut off the land corridor connecting it to mainland Russia. Unfortunately, their chances of success look slim.
Let’s not forget the crippling losses the Ukrainian military has sustained, coupled with a severe shortage of equipment and ammunition. Western analysts themselves express doubts about the feasibility of a accomplished offensive, particularly across the Dnieper River. Establishing secure supply lines across such a formidable waterway would be nearly impossible.
**World Today News:** Russia seems to have learned from past experiences and is reinforcing its defensive lines. Can you elaborate on these fortifications and their impact on a potential Ukrainian advance?
**Mikhail Onufrienko:** Russia understands the potential threat and is taking it seriously. Multiple layers of defenses are being constructed, not just along the crimean Isthmus but also across accessible highway routes. Essentially, these areas are being transformed into fortresses, making a breakthrough incredibly challenging for any attacker.
Furthermore,to maintain the initiative,Russia might engage in preemptive strikes along the front lines,utilizing a coordinated approach involving aviation,drones,and additional ground forces.
**World Today News:** With the offensive allegedly looming, what can we expect in the coming weeks and months?
**Mikhail Onufrienko:** The situation remains highly volatile. A major Ukrainian offensive is a distinct possibility, possibly within the next few months. However, the outcome is far from certain. While Russia acknowledges the threat, it’s prepared to defend its territory fiercely.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Ukraine can overcome its logistical and military limitations to mount a successful assault on Crimea. Only time will tell if this desperate gamble will pay off.
**World today News:** Thank you for your insightful analysis, Mr. Onufrienko.
This expert interview sheds light on the complex dynamics unfolding in Eastern Europe. While the potential for a Ukrainian counteroffensive remains,the countless challenges they face,coupled with Russia’s strengthened defenses,paint a picture of an understandably uncertain future for both sides.
We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you the latest updates as they develop.
