Due to delays in Western aid, the Russians are attacking on three fronts
19 February 09:51
Delays in Western aid to Ukraine have led to Russia’s ability to attack on three fronts. This was written by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reports
“Delays in Western aid, namely artillery ammunition and critical air defence systems, have prevented Ukrainian troops from defending themselves against Russia’s offensive in Avdiivka. A critical shortage of weapons and fears of a complete cessation of US military aid forced Ukrainian forces to disperse across the frontline. This likely prompted Russian forces to exploit the situation and launch limited offensive operations outside the Avdiivka area,”
– the report says.
The analysts note that in addition to Avdiivka, Russians have been actively advancing in the Kharkiv direction, in particular towards Kupiansk and Lyman, since early January 2024 and near Robotyno in western Zaporizhzhia region over the past few days.
Such Russian activity, in the absence of assistance from the West, will prevent the Ukrainian Armed Forces from preparing personnel and equipment to resume counter-offensive operations even in the face of a deadlocked defence, analysts say.