The announcement comes as Ukraine anticipates the possibility of launching a new counteroffensive later this year, contingent on increased support in the form of weapons and ammunition from Western allies, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported on Thursday.
The situation on the ground reflects strategic maneuvering by both sides, according to analysts.
Gen. Oleksandr Pavluk, commander of the Ukrainian ground forces, highlighted the Russian military's efforts to expand their territorial gains in anticipation of an upcoming “pseudo-presidential election” in Russia scheduled for March 17.
"The Ukrainian army is destroying the enemy but is also trying to regroup its forces to rotate those troops that need replenishing," Pavluk said, indicating that Ukraine was preparing for potential counteroffensive operations.
Ivan Tymochka, head of the army reservists' council in Ukraine, noted that the success of any future counteroffensive would heavily depend on the level of assistance provided by Western countries, both in terms of arms supplies and the potential acceptance of Ukrainian troops withdrawn from the frontline for training or rest.
"Countering Russian air power is also key to seizing the initiative at the front," Tymochka said, emphasizing what he said was the critical importance of air superiority in modern warfare.
Amid these strategic considerations, there is anticipation for the arrival of the first Western F-16 fighter jets this summer, a move that could significantly bolster Kyiv’s air defense capabilities, the IAR news agency reported.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Thursday is day 743 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(jh/gs)
Source: IAR