Signs of impatience on the part of the western forces in view of the announced Ukrainian offensive, which looks quite disappointing, at least in the initial phase. Three Western military officials, including a senior US military official, told CNN that the offensive in Kiev was having less success and that Russian forces were more capable than previous assessments had predicted.
In short, the counteroffensive of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s army “does not live up to expectations on any front,” said one of the officials. According to Western assessments, the Russian defense lines have proven to be well fortified, making them difficult for Ukrainian forces to break through. In addition, the Russian Armed Forces have managed to block Ukrainian armor with missile and mine attacks and to use their air force more effectively. One of the western officials said Ukrainian forces are “vulnerable” to minefields and Russian forces are “competent” to defend them. The military warned that the counteroffensive is still in its early stages and that the United States and its allies “remain optimistic” that Ukrainian forces can make territorial gains over time. A first balance sheet looks disappointing. It’s likely that the United States and its allies will wait at least until July for a fuller assessment of counteroffensive progress, but from the NATO area the message to Kiev seems clear.
Russia, on the other hand, insists on pointing out the stalemate in the Ukrainian advance. “We are experiencing a pause” in the counter-offensive “because the enemy is suffering heavy casualties,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday, but admitted: “The offensive potential of the Ukrainian armed forces has not yet been exhausted, the Ukrainian armed forces are closing in.” new units of the brigades that have suffered casualties.”