EAST AND WEST

According to a report by The New York Times, Western officials have raised concerns about the allocation of counteroffensive resources by Ukraine. They advocate for a focused approach towards the south in their efforts.

However, there’s apprehension that such a southern thrust could result in substantial losses of troops and equipment, as highlighted by the publication.

In an attempt to salvage Ukraine’s struggling counteroffensive, Western officials are recommending that Ukraine prioritize a specific objective, even if it involves sacrifices.

After nearly three months of its much-anticipated offensive, there are worries among military strategists that Ukraine has dispersed its resources ineffectively. The New York Times cites unnamed officials in reporting that troops and equipment have been spread too thin, lacking concentration on a critical target.

The suggested strategy from Western officials revolves around channeling a significant portion of Ukraine’s troops and resources towards severing Russian supply lines in the southern region of the country and dismantling the connection between Russia and occupied Crimea.

However, Ukraine has hitherto divided its resources between the southern and eastern fronts. Analysts conveyed to The Times that this allocation has led to a larger deployment of soldiers near Bakhmut—an unstrategic city that Russia captured months ago—compared to the southern front, which military strategists believe should be the focal point.

The defense authorities are pushing for an advance towards Melitopol, a city situated in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. This recommendation entails dealing with Russian minefields, even if it results in the sacrifice of soldiers and equipment, as detailed by the newspaper.

Western strategists argue that a complete commitment to a pivotal objective is essential for Ukraine to reverse the course of its counteroffensive. This assertion is particularly relevant as casualties mount and Russia maintains a numerical advantage, as outlined by The Times.

Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who previously commanded US Army Europe, cautions against prematurely dismissing Ukraine’s prospects. Hodges notes that the Ukrainian timeline differs from external expectations, indicating that the imposed deadlines and expectations might not align with the Ukrainian general staff’s approach.

Escalating Ukrainian casualties have left several experienced combat units in dire straits. The Times reports the loss of multiple senior commanders and the return of wounded soldiers to the battlefield.

High-ranking American and British generals, including Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advised Ukraine’s senior military commander to concentrate on the southern front during an August 10 video conference, according to The Times.

Subsequent developments suggest that Ukraine has heeded this advice, with certain Ukrainian combat units being shifted from the east to the south. Progress has been noted in the south, with Ukrainian forces positioning themselves to seize control of Robotyne, a village near Russian defenses.

Nevertheless, even if the desired offensive towards Crimea materializes, Ukraine must contend with challenging conditions, primarily the flat and unforgiving terrain that currently favors Russia’s positions, as elucidated by the publication.