U.S. and Kyiv knew of shortfalls but Kyiv still launched offensive
BRUSSELS—When Ukraine launched its big counteroffensive this spring, Western military officials knew Kyiv didn’t have all the training or weapons—from shells to warplanes—that it needed to dislodge Russian forces. But they hoped Ukrainian courage and resourcefulness would carry the day.
They haven’t. Deep and deadly minefields, extensive fortifications and Russian air power have combined to largely block significant advances by Ukrainian troops. Instead, the campaign risks descending into a stalemate with the potential to burn through lives and equipment without a major shift in momentum.
If the high risk of failure was known then it’s fair to ask if Biden’s handlers pushed for the launch of an ill-prepared offensive hoping to have the war “resolved” prior to the election campaign.
#Ukraine: A Russian BMP-3 IFV was destroyed by a Ukrainian FPV loitering munition in Marinka, #Donetsk Oblast, with the ammunition on board exploding and tearing the vehicle apart. pic.twitter.com/uDyNWubb0d
— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) July 23, 2023
