Ukraine and Russia currently can't launch large-scale offensives, may reach stalemate - Pentagon
The offensive on the Kursk region (Getty Images)
Both Ukraine and Russia lack the necessary military resources for conducting large-scale offensive operations. The US believes that both sides could be on the verge of a stalemate, according to a Pentagon report.
According to the Pentagon, Ukraine continues to experience a shortage of ammunition needed to counter Russian attacks, even after the US Congress unlocked new military aid for Ukraine in April.
Ukrainian forces remain combat-capable, but they are not in a position to launch a large-scale counteroffensive. The US estimates that this situation will persist for at least another six months.
The Pentagon reports that Russia, for its part, has chosen a strategy of attrition but lacks the strength for deep advances into Ukrainian territory. This is corroborated by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who also predicts that the conflict could reach a stalemate.
The report also highlights Ukraine's successes in utilizing US-supplied ATACMS missile systems, which have struck several key Russian military targets, including in Sevastopol and Crimea. In response, Russia is attempting to bolster its air defenses in the region with its S-500 system, but it has not demonstrated full operational capability or significant successes, particularly on the occupied peninsula.
The US and Ukraine continue to discuss the long-term objectives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Russia's Kursk region. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has said that Russia is relocating a small number of forces to this region, attempting to recapture it.
However, the US remains concerned about potential escalation if Ukraine is allowed to strike deeper into Russian territory, although they acknowledge that Moscow has yet to respond to any red lines as publicly threatened by Russian officials or propagandists.
