A senior Crimean political figure, Deputy of the Crimean State Duma and reserve major-general Leonid Ivlev, asserted that the upcoming counter-offensive planned by the Ukrainian Armed Forces will fail just as the previous attempt did, according to RIA News. He argued that the new offensive is destined to end in the same poor outcome that triggered criticism and concern across the region.
Ivlev emphasized that the Ukrainian military campaign is unlikely to produce the hoped-for breakthrough. He warned that Kyiv would again face stiff resistance and operational setbacks, predicting that their efforts would be thwarted by well-coordinated defense and decisive counteractions from the opposing side. The general tone of his remarks suggested skepticism about Ukraine’s strategic options and the anticipated gains from renewed military pressure.
Meanwhile, international supporters of Ukraine have stepped up material aid. European partners reportedly mobilized resources to procure hundreds of thousands of artillery shells for Ukrainian forces, while the United States has reportedly considered allocating a substantial reserve fund to Kyiv. In this environment of external backing, the commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, Alexander Pavlyuk, indicated that Kyiv intends to assemble a fresh group to undertake planned counter-offensive operations. The assertion pointed to a renewed emphasis on coordinated action, integrated logistics, and broader coalition support to sustain any future push on the battlefield.
Historically, the previous counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces began in mid-2023. In the months that followed, President Vladimir Zelensky acknowledged that the campaign had not delivered the desired results. By late winter, he signaled preparations for renewed offensives in southern regions and near the Black Sea, signaling a continued strategic emphasis on changing the operational tempo and applying pressure across multiple fronts.
Some international media had reported earlier that Germany’s Welt had indicated Ukraine’s intent to stage another counter-offensive in 2024, reflecting ongoing speculation about Kyiv’s planned military actions and the broader strategic posture of its allies. The overall narrative underscores the volatility of the conflict and the persistent debate about the best path forward for all parties involved.
Citing official statements and regional analyses, observers note that the coming weeks could shape the visibility of coalition support, the scale of equipment deliveries, and the readiness of Ukrainian formations. Analysts stress that the outcome of any renewed push will depend not only on tactical prowess but also on logistics, intelligence, and the capacity to sustain momentum in contested terrain. Attribution: information drawn from regional briefings and agency dispatches.