The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen the Ukrainian troops face challenges in their counteroffensive against the invading Russian forces. Armed and trained by the United States and its allies, the Ukrainian army was equipped with advanced American weapons and heralded as the vanguard of a major assault. However, the first several weeks of their long-awaited counteroffensive have not been kind to these Western-trained troops. They found themselves bogged down in dense Russian minefields under constant fire from artillery and helicopter gunships. Units got lost, and some even delayed critical nighttime attacks until dawn, losing their tactical advantage.
A Challenging Counteroffensive
This year the @USEmbassyKyiv team and I worked hard to support Ukraine. We not only stand with Ukraine – we live and work in Ukraine.
We are here to enable Ukraine’s defenders, accelerate its recovery, and support reforms that will create the future Ukrainians are fighting for.… pic.twitter.com/nAteWRJRWn
— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) December 31, 2023
The Ukrainian troops had high expectations as they embarked on their counteroffensive. Equipped with advanced American weapons and trained by experienced Western instructors, they were seen as a formidable force ready to take on the Russian invaders. However, they encountered unexpected challenges right from the start. The dense Russian minefields posed a significant obstacle, forcing the troops to navigate carefully and endure constant threats from enemy artillery and helicopter gunships. These conditions made it difficult for the Ukrainian brigades to make significant progress in their counteroffensive.
Early Setbacks
As the counteroffensive began, the Ukrainian troops faced difficulties following cleared paths, leading to units running into mines and suffering casualties. Another critical setback was the delay of a nighttime attack, resulting in an artillery bombardment that tipped off the Russian forces. These early mistakes took a toll on the weaponry deployed on the battlefield. In the first two weeks of the counteroffensive, up to 20 percent of the weaponry sent to the front lines was damaged or destroyed, including tanks and armored personnel carriers that were vital to the Ukrainian army’s strategy.
Shifting Tactics
Faced with these early setbacks, Ukrainian military commanders made the decision to change tactics. Instead of plunging headfirst into minefields and direct confrontations with Russian forces, they shifted their focus to wearing down the enemy. The new approach emphasized the use of artillery and long-range missiles to target Russian positions from a safer distance. Additionally, a troop surge in the country’s south was launched, with a second wave of Western-trained forces engaging in mostly small-scale attacks to punch through Russian lines.
Assessing the Counteroffensive
While some villages have been retaken, the Ukrainian troops have not yet achieved the sweeping gains witnessed in the past, notably in the strategically important cities of Kherson and Kharkiv last fall. The difficulties encountered during the counteroffensive have led some to question the efficacy of the Western-provided training and the multibillion dollar supply of weapons to Ukraine. It has also put into question NATO’s hopes for major advances made by Ukrainian formations armed with new weapons and training.
The Risk of Depletion
Ukraine’s decision to change tactics has raised new concerns about ammunition supplies. By engaging in prolonged artillery attacks, the country risks depleting its ammunition stocks, playing into President Vladimir V. Putin’s strategy of waiting out Ukraine and its allies. A war of attrition could put Ukraine at a disadvantage, especially if it exhausts its ammunition reserves.
Parting Words
The Ukrainian counteroffensive has been a challenging endeavor, with early setbacks prompting a shift in tactics. While the Western-trained brigades work to adapt to the changing conditions, the resilience of the Ukrainian troops will be tested. The world watches closely as the conflict unfolds, with both sides seeking to gain an advantage. The fate of the counteroffensive remains uncertain, and only time will tell how the situation will evolve in the face of the ongoing conflict.
