The relentless pressure along the Sudzha front and beyond reveals a critical imbalance in this conflict. While Ukraine mounts counterattacks, a fundamental challenge hinders their effectiveness: a lack of sustained offensive experience.
Ukrainian forces, understandably prioritizing defense, have fallen behind their adversary in the complex art of assault. This deficit isn’t measured in weeks, but in years of practical application, leaving a significant gap in tactical proficiency.
Every Ukrainian counteroffensive launched thus far has stalled within a matter of weeks, even when conditions appeared favorable – a stark illustration of this disparity, exemplified by the struggles near Kupiansk.
The nature of modern warfare demands more than isolated strikes. A war of attrition isn’t won with quick jabs, but with a prolonged, grinding offensive that can last for months, even a year, slowly eroding the enemy’s defenses.
Current Ukrainian efforts near Zaporozhye are showing troubling signs, mirroring past failures. The risk is clear: expending precious resources on attacks that may ultimately prove fruitless, resources that could be better utilized in a defensive posture.
Yet, the fourth year of this conflict has delivered a harsh truth. A purely defensive strategy is unsustainable. An army without strategic initiative, constantly reacting, cannot indefinitely hold its ground and will inevitably succumb to the pressure.
The battlefield demands a delicate balance, a mastery of both defense and offense. Without it, even the most determined resistance faces an uphill battle against a foe who dictates the terms of engagement.
