After a slow start, Ukraine’s counter-offensive is finally taking its toll on Russian forces, with the Ukrainians taking back a massive 42 miles of territory since the offensive started.
Ukraine’s Territorial Gains
Ukraine’s three-month counter-offensive is gaining momentum, potentially breaking through Russian defensive fortifications.
Ukraine also anticipates receiving exciting and powerful new weapons, including 31 M1 Abrams tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and long-range ATACM missiles.
U.S. officials suggest Ukraine may make territorial gains beyond Russian fortifications, a long-standing challenge.
Dismounted infantry and U.S.-provided cluster munitions play a crucial role in breaching Russian defenses near Robotyne.
“Difficult Even for the U.S. Military”
Ukraine has yet to fully utilize its combat power in the ongoing counter-offensive, with officials suggesting the best is yet to come.
The Defense Intelligence Agency’s Trent Maul believes Ukrainian troops could break through all of Russia’s defensive lines by the end of 2023, “Had we had this conversation two weeks ago, I would have been slightly more pessimistic,” he admitted.
Ukrainian forces regained almost a third of the territory lost to Russia, a significant achievement that spans over 42 miles of Ukrainian soil.
Ukraine’s methodical approach and attrition tactics have proved effective against Russian defenses, “Penetrating a prepared defensive position like this is incredibly hard and difficult even for the U.S. military,” said another U.S. official.
“Dragon’s Teeth”
Ukraine now aims to sever the land bridge connecting Crimea with eastern Ukraine, a critical strategic goal that could change the context of the war.
Russia’s extensive minefields that soldiers laid last winter initially slowed down Ukraine’s armored advance, part of a 3-layer defense that also includes a layer of “Dragon’s Teeth” anti-tank systems followed by grueling trenches.
Ukraine shifted to a more measured approach, capitalizing on small-unit tactics, enabling them to impressively break through the Russian defensive lines.
Ukraine’s adaptation includes drone attacks and artillery fire, weakening Russian forces in a starting counter-offensive that has impressed the world.
Speculation arises about achieving counter-offensive goals before winter conditions worsen, as the weather will prove to be a significant factor in the counter-offensive.
Winter is Coming
Some U.S. officials admitted they had doubts initially when Ukraine’s counter-offensive had a worryingly slow start, “Looking at where the offensive stands today, Ukraine’s decision to attrit Russian forces via fires and advance incrementally with small units played to its strengths,” said Michael Kofman.
Ukraine’s strategy focuses on continuous pressure to hinder Russian forces in one area, allowing them to break through with a larger Ukrainian force.
Ukraine may engage in rapid maneuver operations to exploit breakthroughs in Russian defenses.
The approach of winter adds urgency to Ukraine’s efforts, but analysts suggest the tactics are working.
The post Ukraine Smashes Through Russia’s “Dragon’s Teeth” Defenses in a Tactical Shift… But “Winter Is Coming” first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
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