Will the Leopard 2s be Spring in Ukraine? Speculations are in order, because the season should be crucial: there it now rhymes with counter-offensive. Various scenarios are being dreamed up by the Ukrainians, who are counting on their army, now strong with Western armour, to inflict heavy casualties on the Kremlin. Apart from the Russian withdrawal from northern Kiev last spring, Ukraine has already launched two successful counter-offensives: at Kharkiv in September and the recapture of Kherson two months later. It remains to be seen when and where this new initiative will start: the government remains vague and is playing with surprise. “Ask any Ukrainian soldier or general: they are anxious to carry it out and know how to proceed,” told Time Igor Zhovkva, President Zelenskyy’s deputy chief of staff. Unfortunately we cannot launch it until we have enough ammo, artillery and tanks. Because every counter-offensive begins with artillery and then continues on the ground. There is always a delay between promises and deliveries. But as soon as we get all the equipment, we will launch it.”
