Ukraine's counterattack fails to meet US expectations
Ukraine's counterattack against Russian forces "has not met expectations on any front," a US official told CNN on June 22.
US officials say Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles are "vulnerable" to Russian minefields, missiles and air power.
"Russian defenses have proven to be resilient, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to breach. In addition, Russian forces have succeeded in blocking Ukrainian armor with missile attacks and minefields, as well as deploying more effective air power," CNN quoted the officials as saying.
According to one official, Russian air defenses were “more effective” than expected. However, the source said the US remained “optimistic” that Ukraine would reverse its failed campaign and Washington would reassess the counteroffensive next month.
Ukraine's counter-offensive began on June 4 but has failed to hit Russian positions near Donetsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the BBC on June 21 that developments on the battlefield were "slower than expected", but said his army would eventually push Russian forces out of four territories Moscow annexed last year after referendums - Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporozhye. He also said he would retake Crimea.
President Zelensky is said to be under pressure to score points with Western countries and according to CNN, this counterattack "is said to play an important role in deciding which side will ultimately win".
