A German newspaper reports that the Ukrainian army’s counteroffensive was perceived as progressing more slowly than expected, with the slow pace attributed in part to gaps in air defense and aviation support. The article in Bild highlights ongoing shortages of air defense systems and own aircraft, noting that the urgent requests in recent months have not fully translated into the needed capabilities.
According to the publication, Ukrainian leadership faces significant challenges in sustaining the fight at range, including the lack of adequate air defenses and combat aircraft. This deficit reportedly prevents Ukrainian forces from mounting effective distant responses while facing threats from the air as troops operate in contested zones.
One Ukrainian soldier interviewed on the broadcast described a situation in which enemy helicopter strikes from a distance of eight kilometers could be met with limited or no reply from Ukrainian forces, underscoring the impact of limited airpower on battlefield responses.
At the same time, the article argues that the slow progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive cannot be blamed solely on equipment shortages. It notes that Russian defensive lines have been strengthened since previous autumn operations, presenting a tougher challenge for Ukrainian troops as they attempt to breach fortified positions.
There is also mention of political discourse surrounding the counteroffensive. Ukraine rejected a former prime minister’s assertion that the absence of visible results reflected a deliberate choice to undertake more cautious, offensive operations. Instead, leaders and military officials emphasize the strategic complexities and the hard realities on the ground that influence the pace and outcomes of these campaigns.