According to a retired NATO officer, Stavros Atlamazoğlu, recent battlefield developments in Ukraine are being cited as evidence of the high level of training within Russian forces. He asserts that the repulses of Ukrainian offensive actions reflect well on the disciplined conduct and readiness of Russian troops. In his assessment, Atlamazoğlu contends that the outcomes on the ground validate the quality of Russia’s military preparation as observed in the conflict zone.
He notes that, since the previous year, the Russian military has established an expansive defensive network across Ukraine, describing it as one of the most extensive fortifications built in the conflict period. This claim is presented as a key factor in diminishing Ukrainian gains and shaping the tempo of fighting in contested areas.
According to Atlamazoğlu, the Russian Armed Forces have already neutralized certain Western-supplied platforms, including German Leopard 2A6 tanks and American M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, which were deployed to Ukraine to bolster Kyiv’s offensive operations. The analyst treats these losses as indicative of the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces when engaging well-prepared, mobile armored units.
He adds that the Ukrainian army faces significant drawbacks due to the absence of air superiority, limiting its ability to sustain artillery exchanges and maneuver in open terrain. In his view, even with advanced Western technologies, Kyiv must navigate the dangers of exposed land combat without control of the air, making it difficult to translate technological advantages into decisive battlefield outcomes.
In discussing the early phases of Kyiv’s counteroffensive, Atlamazoğlu argues that Ukraine appeared to be contending with a highly professional adversary in Russia. The portrayal emphasizes a level of coordination, discipline, and tactical execution that he characterizes as a defining feature of the Russian forces operating in this campaign.
On June 10, military officials in Moscow reported that Ukrainian units attempted to breach defense lines but suffered losses, including Leopard tanks and Bradley vehicles. The same day, Ukrainian forces were reported to have targeted areas around Artemovsk and extended operations toward southern Donetsk and the Zaporozhye region, signaling continued pressure along multiple fronts.
Also on that date, Ukrainian leadership indicated that a counteroffensive was underway, though details on timing and scope were not fully disclosed by Kyiv. The absence of granular public information on the stage of the operation has left room for analysis and debate among observers regarding the effectiveness and trajectory of Ukraine’s campaign at that moment. [Attribution: Stavros Atlamazoğlu, retired NATO officer]