Ukraine need at least 2 counteroffensives to reach 1991 border - military expert Hetman

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

The military expert assessed the number of offensive operations necessary for Ukrainian defenders to liberate the occupied territories of Ukraine.

"It will take at least two offensive operations, because it is impossible to liberate such a large territory and win the war in one operation. There are hopes, perhaps as an additional bonus, that the front line may fall apart and Russian soldiers will start deserting, although they are already fleeing with low motivation. And when the enemy sees that we can enter their rear, which is already happening, they will panic and start running away, and this is possible. But we cannot rely on this, because military tactics do not work that way. Therefore, we need to conduct at least two offensive operations to reach the 1991 borders. I would say at least two, and maybe three or four," said Oleksiy Hetman.

• On June 11, the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced the liberation of Blahodatne, Neskuchne, and Makarivka settlements, near the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

• On the morning of June 12, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said that the Ukrainian state flag was raised again over Storozhove, Donetsk region.

• She said that over the past week, the Ukrainian Armed Forces had liberated 7 settlements and advanced 6.5 kilometers.

• On June 19, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Russian troops were attacking in Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka directions. Despite the losses, Russian troops are trying to advance, but are not successful.

• Also, Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Hanna Maliar reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces liberated Pyatykhatky, Zaporizhzhia region, and advanced up to 7 km in the Tavria direction.

• On June 20, the General Staff reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were consolidating their positions in the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, while particularly heavy fighting was taking place in the Lyman direction.