AFU counteroffensive is not about watermelons and cherries

During a discussion about a potential counteroffensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, I recalled how angry and frustrated I was with the endless stream of jokes about Kherson watermelons. These jokes demonstrated a disconnect between the reality of the situation at the front and the perception of those in the rear who were experiencing emotional elation.

While I have no doubt that the Armed Forces are capable of effectively conducting operations to reclaim our territories and getting closer to the 1991 borders, we must not forget that offensive operations are not a simple parade from point A to point B without encountering resistance and casualties. When the situation stabilizes at the front and the Armed Forces begin to push the enemy out, progress will be slow, methodical, and without sudden movements. It will be a challenging and bloody process.

Offensive operations are not a simple parade from point A to point B without encountering resistance and casualties. When the situation stabilizes at the front and the Armed Forces begin to push the enemy out, progress will be slow, methodical, and without sudden movements. It will be a challenging and bloody process

When the Russians fled from Kherson or scattered in the Kharkiv region, it was just the tip of an iceberg. How much blood was spilled to ensure this, we will find out only after the war.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the current defensive efforts of Ukrainian troops in Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Vuhledar will contribute to future counter-offensive successes. The cost of deterring and exhausting Russian troops is evident, and it is essential to recognize its significance. 

Therefore, making light of the situation by joking about "watermelons" and "cherries" is inappropriate, even when the Russians inevitably start fleeing. This type of behavior reminds me of football cheering. It is not appropriate for war.

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About the author. Yuriy Bohdanov, publicist, strategic communications specialist 

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.