Ukrainians prepare for impending counteroffensive

CNN writes about Ukraine’s steps in preparing for an upcoming counteroffensive.

The Soviet-era armored BTR vehicle races through a grassy plain on the outskirts of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine. Abruptly, it comes to a halt, and Ukrainian soldiers swiftly emerge from its opened door, launching an assault on the trench below.

A Ukrainian soldier with a call sign Jenia explains, "Today our task is training and cleaning the trenches." He is part of Kyiv's Offensive Guard, the purpose of which, as established by the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, is to create new assault brigades.

Although this operation is merely a drill, every effort has been made to make the scenario as authentic as possible. Soldiers face unexpected challenges like attending to and evacuating the wounded or adapting after suffering casualties.

“Some people say training is not hard, that there is no danger – but running through the trenches and constantly training, knowing that you will go to battle, it is not easy,” Jenia says. “Everything comes with practice, It is clear that during the hostilities there will also be the psychological impact of war – but practice is very important.”

Despite Ukrainian cities enduring relentless Russian missile and drone strikes, Jenia and the other members of the Offensive Guard remain undeterred. They simulate scenarios they anticipate encountering once Kyiv initiates its long-awaited counteroffensive.

According to a top adviser to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the day of a counterattack is rapidly approaching.

In an interview with CNN, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stated, "There is already some sort of work underway to increase the intensity of the shelling of Russia’s logistics support in order to reduce their combat capabilities in the near future, to loosen up their defenses." These shelling operations, referred to as shaping operations, aim to strategically influence the battlefield in Ukraine's favor. CNN previously reported the initiation of these operations on May 12, based on information provided by a senior US military official and a senior Western official.

Podolyak further elaborated, saying everything that is currently taking place serves as a precursor to a counterattack. As the intensity of the shelling increases, particularly targeting logistics supplies, the number of operations increases.

‘Shaping’ operation is in progress

Ongoing shaping operations continue with an increase in the number of strikes targeting Russian ammunition depots, logistical nodes, and rear echelon bases, including locations like Mariupol and Berdyansk in recent days. Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's top military general, shared a professionally produced video over the weekend with the caption: "The time has come to take back what belongs to us."

During his nightly address on Monday, President Zelenskyy mentioned that the timing for the counteroffensive has been determined but refrained from providing specific details. Similarly, despite the evident indications of an impending counteroffensive, Podolyak, the presidential adviser, avoids committing to specific dates.

According to Podolyak, it is not possible to pinpoint a specific day or time when a counterattack will commence. He highlights the ongoing intensive offensive actions on the flanks of the town of Bakhmut, emphasizing that the city has essentially been devastated but the offensives are ongoing.

While these smaller operations provide a glimpse of the larger offensive, Ukraine openly acknowledges and advertises its ambitious goals. However, the success of these objectives depends on sustained support from Western nations.

He confidently states that a counteroffensive will occur regardless and will ultimately be successful, albeit not quick. 

These ambitious goals have led Kyiv to delay the anticipated attack, which was initially expected in early spring but has yet to materialize with summer approaching. This delay allows for further refinement of the strategy.

On the training grounds, the commander of the Offensive Guard, known by the call sign Kyiv, expresses a shared combat philosophy.

"We improve our fighting skills in special combat training every day to liberate our lands,” he explains. “Our servicemen now know how to deal with the enemy – because we practice everything until it becomes automatic."

As he assists in training tens of thousands of troops, he firmly believes that Ukraine possesses the necessary qualities to achieve success.

"We have motivation," he states. "We defend our lands, this is our country, this is our home."

He confidently concludes, "Of course victory will be ours."