Russia's summer offensive stalls as Ukraine holds the line on all fronts – Telegraph
Illustrative photo: The Armed Forces of Ukraine stopped the enemy near Sumy and in Donbas (Getty Images)
Russia's summer offensive, launched in May, is failing within weeks of its launch. Despite the number of attacks along almost the entire front line, there have been no significant breakthroughs, reports The Telegraph.
Moscow plans to break its own record for the number of offensive operations in June. However, even though the intensity of the fighting has increased, the lack of progress in strategic areas indicates that Russia's offensive potential is depleted.
In the east, in particular between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, Russian troops made some progress. But according to experts, this movement has not changed the operational situation. The pace of advance is already slowing down, indicating a loss of initiative.
The Russian offensive in the Sumy region has been stopped. Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the front line has been stabilized.
Russian troops failed to capture Yunakivka, which was supposed to open the way to Sumy. Ukrainian forces have recaptured some territory, and Russian infantry casualties continue to mount.
Angelica Evans from ISW noted that the Russian summer offensive is more of a continuation of the spring campaign, without new strategic goals. According to her, the aggressor lacks resources for deep breakthroughs.
The situation in the east
In the Donetsk region, Russia is trying to break through to Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, and Kostiantynivka. But, as the Ukrainian military emphasizes, the pace of the offensive is too slow, and at least 100,000 soldiers are needed to capture cities like Kramatorsk.
In the directions of Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kupiansk, the situation remains tense, but there are no significant changes to the front line. The pace of attacks is high, but Ukrainian defenders are holding their positions.
Experts note that the dispersal of Russian forces from Kharkiv to the Dnipropetrovsk region reduces the effectiveness of the offensive. Despite numerical superiority, Russia is unable to concentrate forces on critical directions.
Against this background, doubts are growing about the Kremlin’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives. The failures of the summer offensive may increase pressure within Russia itself and among its military and political leadership.
Russian offensive in Sumy region
On June 24, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine stated that there has been a significant decrease in Russian combat activity in the Sumy direction. Earlier, Russian president Vladimir Putin claimed that he allegedly did not task his soldiers with occupying Sumy, but did not rule out such a scenario.
According to DeepState, over the past month, Russian forces have significantly expanded control in the border areas of the Sumy region. Analysts also stated that the Russians may have occupied the village of Loknia.
