Ukraine's counterattack did not meet US expectations.
Ukraine's counterattack against Russian forces "did not meet expectations on any front," a U.S. official told CNN on June 22.
U.S. officials believe Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles are "vulnerable" to Russian minefields, missiles, and air power.
"Russian lines of defense proved robust, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to break through. Furthermore, Russian forces successfully prevented Ukrainian armored vehicles from advancing with missile strikes and minefields, as well as deploying more effective air power," CNN quoted officials as saying.
According to an official, Russian air defenses were "more effective" than anticipated. However, the source insisted that the US remains "optimistic" that Ukraine will reverse its failing campaign and that Washington will reassess the counteroffensive next month.
Ukraine's counteroffensive began on June 4th but failed to break through Russian positions near Donetsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the BBC on June 21st that developments on the battlefield were "slower than expected," but stated that his army would eventually push Russian forces out of the four territories Moscow annexed last year following referendums: Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye. He also affirmed his intention to regain Crimea.
President Zelensky is reportedly under pressure to score points with Western countries, and according to CNN, this counterattack "is believed to play a crucial role in determining which side will ultimately win."
