The counter-offensive continues even during the harsh winter: the Ukrainians advance on foot, in small groups, meter by meter

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Ukraine pays a heavy price in blood for every meter it gains at the front. It is a war of man against man. “Neither the enemy nor we are using large formations, companies, battalions or brigades,” said Brigadier General Oleksander Tarnawski, who is leading Kiev’s counteroffensive along the southern front. “We’re using storm troopers, groups of 10 to 15 people,” Tarnawski told CNN.

The soldiers are threatened with death at any moment. The men “are doing a tremendous job,” the general said. “They concentrate enemy fire on themselves and use whatever resources they need to survive.” The brigadier general also admits that the advance is not happening as quickly as hoped – “not like in the World War II films,” he says. “The most important thing is that we don’t lose the initiative.”

Last winter, fighting had sometimes subsided. Troops on both sides dug into trenches and fortification lines and held their positions on the front line, while Kiev still lacked the necessary combat equipment. Ukrainian military leaders say the advance will not slow this winter.

Keep the pressure on Russia

Chief of Intelligence Kirill Budanov (37) also assured in an interview published by “The War Zone” on September 22 that the offensive would continue throughout the winter. “It is not a problem for either side to fight in winter – for us and for the Russians,” Budanov said. “It’s not fun, but it’s not bad either.” However, there is “a very important nuance that differentiates current warfare from previous periods of combat. Currently, most fights are carried out on foot and without the use of equipment.

This is due to the high saturation of frontline artillery systems and portable anti-tank weapons. The seasonal weather will slow ground movements and test logistics, but will not freeze the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Brigadier General Tarnawski also confirms this. The pressure on the Russians must be maintained, even in the harsh winter that is approaching these weeks. Even heavy rainfall in the fall would soften the ground and make it difficult to move heavy equipment such as tanks. Therefore, the Ukrainian armed forces usually move on foot, in small groups. “Weather could pose a serious obstacle to the advance,” Tarnawski said. “Considering how we’re going to proceed, especially without vehicles, I don’t think winter will have a big impact on the counteroffensive.”

Kiev expects “major breakthrough”

The enemy is quickly learning and adapting to Ukrainian tactics. But Ukraine has made breakthroughs – “and we are making further progress.” Tarnawski is convinced that the big breakthrough in the counteroffensive would come if Ukraine could capture Takmak, a strategic center for Russia.

Ukrainian forces are still about 20 kilometers from Tokmak and are apparently struggling to break through the layered Russian defenses. Brigadier General Tarnawski remains confident: “I think there will indeed be a major breakthrough.”

Only when Ukrainian forces reached the city would the foundation for long-term Ukrainian success be laid. “Tokmak is the minimum target,” says Tarnawski. “Our real goal is to reach our national borders.” (kes)

Source: Blick