Russian forces feel pressure of Ukrainian counterattacks at front - ISW

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.

The arrival of Western aid allowed Ukrainian forces to stabilize critical frontline areas. At the same time, the fighters carried out tactically important and successful localized counterattacks in the northern Kharkiv region and in the direction of Kreminna.

According to analysts, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are not currently conducting counterattacks on the scale necessary to seize the initiative on the battlefield, but these efforts increase the Russians’ costs of continuing their slow, brutal, and exhausting theory.

At the same time, the ISW emphasizes that the deployment of elements of one broad formation is a strong indicator that Russian forces are beginning to feel the pressure of Ukrainian counterattacks. This underscores that the front line is not as static as Russian leader Vladimir Putin has made it out to be.

“Ukraine's ability to launch more powerful and organized counterattacks, however, continues to be contingent on sustained Western military support,” the analysts believe.

• Defense Express CEO Serhiy Zgurets believes that Ukraine needs to prepare for a long-term war of attrition.