Russians press Ukraine in the northeast to distract from more important battles in counteroffensive
In the forests of northeast Ukraine, a Soviet-era howitzer remains hidden beneath pine branches. It is pointed towards a distant group of Russian infantrymen, several kilometers away.
A soldier from Ukraine gives a signal to initiate firing, then quickly seeks shelter. The powerful impact of the released projectile creates a cloud of black smoke that rises alongside bursts of yellow flames. The accumulation of discarded shells in the nearby plants increases daily.
In this area, within a limited portion of the 745-mile boundary, the army of Moscow is executing an intense offensive strategy. The aim is to immobilize the Ukrainian forces, divert their attention from their ongoing counterattack, and reduce the quantity of troops that Kyiv can allocate to crucial battles in the southern region.
The strategy employed by the Kremlin poses a risk of further delaying the progress of the counteroffensive that commenced nearly three months ago. Kyiv’s attempt to regain control over territory occupied by Russia has resulted in limited advancements and significant casualties. Ukrainian troops are running out of time and must maximize their efforts during the remaining weeks of the summer fighting season.
The Ukrainian military now considers the battles in the northeast, specifically near the town of Kupiansk, in the northern Kharkiv region, and in the forests near Lyman, to be Russia’s main offensive.
Ukraine is currently directing its main offensive efforts towards the southern region, gradually advancing towards the Sea of Azov with the aim of disrupting the land connection to the Crimean Peninsula. This area was annexed by Russia in 2014. By achieving this objective, Ukraine would effectively divide the Russian-controlled territory in southern Ukraine, thereby weakening Moscow’s supply routes.
PHOTOS: Russians press Ukraine in the northeast to distract from more important battles in counteroffensive
Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar encouraged observers to assess the progress of Ukraine not based on specific measurements like kilometers or meters, but rather by acknowledging the achievement of moving forward under challenging circumstances.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia has taken the opportunity to strengthen its defenses in the southern region, including the placement of numerous mines. These extensive fortifications have hindered Kyiv’s progress in that particular direction, while also keeping Ukrainian troops occupied along the relatively unchanging northeast front.
The Ukrainians are faced with challenges in terms of their manpower, air power, and artillery. Additionally, the approaching rainy season in autumn intensifies the urgency of an already challenging battle. The muddy terrain will impede the movement of Kyiv’s infantry and heavy equipment.
In southern Ukraine, the Ukrainian military has achieved greater success in breaching Russian defenses. Following the launch of their counteroffensive, Ukraine has made a significant advancement of 4.3 miles in the Zaporizhzhia region. Last week, they successfully overcame heavily fortified Russian positions to recapture the village of Robotyne, marking a crucial tactical triumph in that particular area of the country.
The achievement falls short of the extensive territorial acquisitions that Western allies desired. However, the capture of the village brings Ukrainian forces closer to the town of Tokmak, which is approximately 19 miles away. This town serves as a crucial rail hub under Russian occupation, making it a significant strategic advantage if gained by Ukrainian forces. According to military observers, advancing just 9 miles from Robotyne could place the Ukrainians within range of Russia’s east-west transport routes. This has the potential to weaken Moscow’s combat capabilities.
“I cannot reword”
“I cannot reword.”
Kyiv has never explicitly stated its goals for the counteroffensive, apart from saying it seeks to restore Ukraine’s 1991 territorial borders.
In mid-July, Russia escalated its activities in the northeastern region, gathering a force of 100,000 soldiers. The presence of burnt trees serves as evidence of Russian artillery attacks on Ukrainian positions in the dense forests close to Lyman. Soldiers humorously refer to this previously known “silver forest” as the “black forest” now, as a result of the damage caused.
Ukrainian forces near the Synkivka settlement in Kupiansk are faced with the challenge of traversing predominantly exposed fields, as Russian forces have concentrated their offensive in this area. The destruction of neighboring villages has limited the available cover options for the Ukrainian forces.
“The adversary is consistently attempting to make progress,” stated Viktor Yurchuk, the artillery commander of the brigade. “The conflict has been ongoing without any breaks.”
Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, said Russian troops were regrouping in both the Kupiansk and Lyman areas and deploying newly formed brigades and divisions as well as weaponry. Maliar said professional airborne units have also been deployed from around Avdiivka, further south in the Donetsk region where the two armies are also locked in battles.
Apart from preventing Ukrainian forces from redeploying in the south, a Russian advance in the northeast would also create a protective buffer for the Kremlin’s supply lines. Moscow hopes to halt Ukrainian advances in Bakhmut, where Kyiv’s forces recently took control of commanding heights within closer range of Russia’s supply routes.
Yurchuk is faced with the reality that the intensity of the battles will continue without respite in the near future. Having endured 18 months of warfare, he is now weary.
He stated that everyone is tired of the war, trust me.
Some of Ukraine’s allies have privately expressed worry that the counteroffensive might not be successful. However, soldiers argue that making progress against a strongly fortified enemy is an incredibly difficult task, with every kilometer gained being a significant achievement.
US. national security adviser Jake Sullivan pushed back against the notion that Ukraine is in a stalemate, saying last week that Ukrainians “are operating according to their tactics and their timetable.”
The worries of the allies have reached the soldiers from Ukraine who are stationed on the front line.
“I find it extremely difficult for our soldiers to receive feedback that our offensive is progressing at a slow pace,” expressed a drone operator, identified as “Salam,” belonging to the esteemed Adam Group stationed in the Bakhmut region. “As observers of the frontline, we were not anticipating swift developments.”
Many Ukrainian service members hold this perspective.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed his frustration by stating that criticizing the lack of progress is equivalent to disrespecting the Ukrainian soldier who puts their life at risk every day.
While visiting Spain, he suggested that all critics should remain silent and instead visit Ukraine to personally experience the challenge of liberating even a single square centimeter.
George Barros, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War think tank based in the United States, disputed the evaluations suggesting that the counteroffensive is not progressing favorably.
“He stated that the campaign is achieving the highest possible outcome considering the level of support it received.”
According to Barros, if the Ukrainian forces manage to achieve a minor breakthrough that cuts off a crucial point in the Russian lines, it is likely that the Russian troops will be spread thin due to their limited reserves.
Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that Russia’s activities in the northeastern region are significantly affecting the Ukrainian offensive in the southern area.
“I estimate that we have approximately one additional month before the arrival of the rains,” Shtupun stated. “In my opinion, we still have an opportunity to engage in offensive actions, just as our adversary does.”
