Commentary by Russian military journalist Boris Rozhin
Translation note: Google Translate continues to translate the word advance (продвижения) into promotion. The translation has been corrected here and elsewhere.
[ColonelCassad] The highly publicized Ukrainian counteroffensive has been going on for three and a half months. Briefly about the successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine over the past 1.5 months:
1. Zaporozhye Front:
- Pyatikhatki/Lobkovoe section: 0.9 sq. km.
- Rabotino site: 34.8 sq. km.
2. Donetsk front
- Bolshaya Novoselka section: 15.7 sq. km.
- South Bakhmut front section: 8.4 km.
In total, in 1.5 months, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to recapture about 59.8 square kilometers, which is slightly less than the successes achieved during the second month of the counteroffensive. Many Ukrainian and Western media outlets are triumphantly reporting on the Ukrainian army's achievements this month, declaring that Russia's defense line has been breached and our troops are in a "difficult situation."
Judging by the general appearance of the front, it has not changed significantly; the Armed Forces of Ukraine never reached the Sea of Azov, the borders of Crimea and the city of Tokmak in the Zaporozhye region.
The depletion of the Ukrainian army shows that achieving the goals of this summer counteroffensive was impossible. Although it cannot yet be said that the Ukrainian army has lost its offensive potential, it has enough resources to maintain the pace of hostilities for several more months.
The defenses built on the southern flank (and which even today are still being built) were prepared specifically to stop this type of attack; in fact, between the main lines of defense there are numerous trenches and defensive lines, making up a complex system that cannot be overcome so easily .
Forecast for the remainder of the fourth month of the offensive:
The Ukrainian army will continue to be depleted, carrying out attacks in the southern and Bakhmut directions, but without significant advances. The Russian army will be on the defensive for some time, mobilized soldiers and volunteers will continue to gain experience.
@genshtab24 - zinc