US general says Ukraine is mobilizing after failed counterattack

In an analysis in the Washington Post, observers said that the breakthrough and rapid progress in Ukraine - something many had hoped for - has not happened. In recent days, Western media reports on the battlefield have become increasingly gloomy. The fight against Russia is slow and bloody.

David Petraeus, a retired US Army general who commanded US troops in Iraq and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said Russia had created a resilient, well-orchestrated defense system that put Ukrainian forces in an extremely difficult position.

“The Russian military has prepared a wide and deep defense system, including carefully placed minefields, anti-tank ditches, and other obstacles. The soldiers are equipped with drones and artillery to counter any Ukrainian units that try to break through the defense line. In general, the Russian military has adopted a flexible defense. As a result, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered heavy losses and are starting to tire,” said General David Petraeus.

War does not proceed in a linear fashion, the general argues. The defenders can hold out for a long time, and then suddenly break; allowing the attackers to gain a quick advantage, while the defenses consolidate further to the rear. This is what Ukraine is doing.

The Ukrainian offensive may be far from over. Ukraine intends to continue its military campaign, despite heavy losses suffered by its army in the Zaporozhye direction.

“The overall mobilization of all social components in the country is evidence of that intention of Ukraine,” said US Army General David Petraeus.

It is important for Western observers to consider this big picture as they watch the grueling war in Ukraine, General Petraeus said. And policymakers should not complain that the offensive has not yielded quick gains. This will be a long war, and the United States needs Ukraine to prevail.