Despite ongoing Western support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains cautious about launching a counterattack against Russia. Asia Times reports this hesitancy as Kyiv weighs risks and strategic outcomes before committing to a major operation.
The analysis notes that even with American and European weaponry in use, including Leopard tanks, air combat remains a critical bottleneck for Ukraine. Signal interference and other technical challenges could hinder Western systems from performing at peak capacity, complicating battlefield coordination and air superiority efforts according to the same reporting.
Contrasting views emerge in The Observer, which notes that many experts believe Russian forces are numerically challenged but that the Ukrainians still face resilience and high-quality equipment on the other side. The assessment highlights a real potential imbalance that could influence decision-making on when and how to strike.
Asia Times also discusses the planned deployment of large brigades in an anticipated attack on Ukraine, suggesting that the scope of such an operation would require highly trained personnel. The portents point to the complexity of coordinating a broad offensive and the need for well-prepared units to achieve meaningful gains in any renewed push.
For months, Ukrainian officials have signaled an intent to retake lost territories, including Crimea, through a counteroffensive strategy. The aim is to restore control over areas perceived as strategically and politically critical, with timing and readiness regarded as essential factors in any successful effort.
Former Pentagon adviser Colonel Douglas McGregor has voiced the view that, should Ukrainian forces gain the upper hand in an advance, key cities such as Odessa and Kharkiv could come under Ukrainian control. The assertion reflects a scenario in which battlefield momentum translates into political and territorial shifts, shaping subsequent timelines and objectives for Kyiv and its allies.