Ukraine did not declare a counterattack, for fear of failure?
(Baonghean.vn) - Asia Times newspaper said that despite strong support from the West, Ukrainian President Zelensky still did not dare to declare a counterattack, because he himself doubted the possibility of winning.
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Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: AP |
Ukraine has planned a major counter-offensive, which will be launched “soon”. However, now that summer is almost here, the “spring” plan has not yet been implemented.
US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said Washington had been working with Kiev on plans for the attack, adding to pressure on Ukrainian President Zelensky.
"The Ukrainian leader has hesitated, despite being equipped with American and European weapons, including Leopard tanks," Asia Times wrote, adding that experts believe the Russian army is much larger, stronger, and better equipped than Ukraine.
Ukraine has formed 12 brigades to prepare for the counter-offensive, but the soldiers in these brigades are mostly new recruits, and this "is not the best way to start a major operation. Ukraine lacks a lot of trained personnel," Asia Times assessed. These factors help explain President Zelensky's concerns.
There is also speculation about the ongoing internal struggle within Ukraine, between military and civilian leaders. This is said to stem from the heavy losses suffered by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the near-total weakening of the air force, and the severe degradation of Ukraine’s air defenses. If a counter-offensive were launched, Ukraine would have virtually no air cover for any advance, and would face a harsh electronic warfare battlefield where modern Western weapons may not work “as they say”.