In a bid to regain lost ground and thwart further advances by Russian forces, Ukraine’s military is gearing up for a series of counter-offensive actions slated for later this year, announced a top military commander on Wednesday.
The resolve to initiate counter-offensive maneuvers comes on the heels of a significant setback for Ukrainian forces, marked by the fall of the eastern city of Avdiivka into Russian hands earlier in February. The loss of Avdiivka, following months of relentless attacks, dealt a blow to Ukrainian troops, compelling them to vacate several surrounding settlements in the face of ongoing Russian offensives.
Oleksandr Pavliuk, recently appointed as ground force commander amidst a military reshuffle, underscored the urgency to stabilize the volatile situation on the battlefield swiftly. Speaking in televised remarks, Pavliuk reiterated the military’s commitment to regroup and prepare for proactive measures to seize the initiative from Russian forces.
Efforts are currently underway to withdraw and rehabilitate military units that have suffered setbacks, with the aim of marshaling them into a formidable force capable of launching counter-offensives later in the year.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had previously warned of Russia’s intentions to launch a new offensive in the coming months, but expressed confidence in Ukraine’s preparedness with its own battlefield strategy.
Dmytro Lykhoviy, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military, provided insights into the current military dynamics, asserting that Russian forces were encountering difficulties in making further gains near Avdiivka. Instead, their focus appeared to have shifted southward, towards the village of Novomykhailivka.
According to Maksym Zhorin, a Ukrainian commander in the region, Russian forces persist in their attempts to advance despite facing resistance. Zhorin noted that following the capture of Avdiivka and neighboring villages, Russian troops continue to target areas like the village of Orlivka, engaging in relentless assaults day and night.
The evolving military landscape underscores the gravity of the situation in eastern Ukraine, where the conflict shows no signs of abating. As both sides maneuver for strategic advantage, the specter of further escalation looms large, with implications that extend beyond the region’s borders.
As Ukraine braces for the next phase of the conflict, the international community watches with bated breath, cognizant of the stakes involved and the potential ramifications of heightened hostilities in the region.
