Even as they grapple with ammunition shortages and await materiel from Western backers, Ukrainian forces are testing Russian defenses for vulnerabilities ahead of a much-anticipated counteroffensive.
DONETSK REGION, Ukraine —
The expected spring offensive has been framed as Ukraine’s make-or-break opportunity this year to recapture territory held by Russian forces, which totals about one-fifth of the country. But the operation has been delayed by weather, slow equipment deliveries and ammunition scarcities, fueling fears of a stalemate.
Stationed outside the town of Bakhmut, another commander described carrying out similar operations to test Russian defenses. He admitted that the success of the testing operations doesn’t mean his unit is ready for the full offensive. It is still waiting for more heavy equipment, armored vehicles to move large numbers of troops forward and more training.When the unit first received an advanced antitank weapon system, troops trained themselves with the system manual and YouTube tutorials, he said.
“Of course I’m worried, the longer we wait,” said a Ukrainian lieutenant colonel commanding a tank battalion in the Zaporizhzhia region, who goes by the call sign “Thunder.” Russian forces are “fortifying themselves more and more each day,” Thunder said.Heavily mined front lines are expected to be a particularly difficult obstacle to navigate, he said. “There are mines on both sides of the front. We planted a lot of mines, and so did the Russian side.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
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