Lack of assistance delays return of Ukrainian Armed Forces' initiative along entire front line
The West's lack of assistance will postpone the return of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' initiative on the front line (photo: Getty Images)
Further delays in providing Western security assistance are likely to postpone Ukrainian efforts to restore the initiative across the entire theater of operations. This could be exacerbated by a planned new Russian offensive in the spring or summer of this year, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The lack of material resources is forcing Ukrainian Forces to improvise, while uncertainty about future aid likely restricts Ukrainian operational planning.
"Delays in crucial assistance will force Ukraine to make difficult decisions about how to allocate resources between future operationally significant counteroffensive operations and ongoing Ukrainian defensive operations against Russian attackers who currently hold the initiative," the report said.
ISW recalled that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced the Ukrainian Armed Forces' intentions to conduct counteroffensive operations in 2024 but emphasized that defending Ukraine's territory remains a top priority.
Zelenskyy also noted that Russia is preparing a new offensive operation, which will likely begin at the end of May or in the summer of 2024. According to him, this will likely further delay Ukraine's ability to prepare and launch counteroffensive operations.
The report also noted that well-equipped Ukrainian Forces have demonstrated their ability to prevent even minor Russian successes during large-scale Russian offensive operations and can inflict significant losses on attacking Russian Forces.
"Western security assistance is crucial for both Ukraine’s ability to concentrate material and manpower for future counteroffensive operations as well as its ability to degrade Russian offensive efforts sufficiently enough so that Ukraine can seize the theater-wide initiative," the ISW report said.
Issues with aid to Ukraine
The US suspended financial assistance for Ukraine's defense needs at the end of last year because the House of Representatives is delaying approval of a package of aid to our country totaling over $60 billion.
The House of Representatives may approve aid to Ukraine at the end of March - in April.
The administration of President Joe Biden intends to allocate about $200 million from the funding of the US Army to provide immediate support to Ukraine. The White House has stated that the US will seek additional ways to help Ukraine, taking into account the situation on the front lines.
