Russia may be about to launch a major attack across Ukraine

The British newspaper Economist commented that Russia may be preparing for a large-scale attack across Ukraine in the summer after the fighting subsides in the spring.
In an article published on March 28, the Economist newspaper said that in the spring, the intensity of fighting in Ukraine decreased due to rainy weather and muddy terrain, making it difficult for both Russia and Ukraine to move high-class military equipment. heavy.

"However, this will not last. When spring turns to summer, Russia may launch a new large-scale offensive campaign like last year. This time, Ukraine's ability to hold out seems to be worse than before. compared to last year. That is why Ukraine urgently needs to mobilize more troops and build a stronger front-line defense system," the article said.

The article also pointed out that the West's delay in aid to Ukraine entails risks because Russia can "penetrate Ukraine's inadequate defense lines".

On the other hand, the Economist argued: "Ukraine cannot blame its allies entirely. They also made mistakes and one of those mistakes was the failure of human resources... Ukraine was also slow to strengthen defensive positions".

According to the Economist, Ukraine's leadership is currently still focused on planning a new counterattack and is worried that the current front line will become the border in the future.

"The idea that this line could become the basis for a future peace negotiation is exactly what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to avoid. But the danger is now so great that this is the option least worst", the article analyzed.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said on March 28 that Russia could launch a new attack in May or June.

He added that Ukraine is trying to stabilize the situation as much as possible, starting to prepare brigades to deal with Russia's new attack in the context of a shortage of weapons and ammunition. On the other hand, he affirmed that the current Ukrainian army is better than 2-3 months ago.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian Army Commander Oleksandr Pavliuk announced that Ukrainian forces would soon regain balance against Russia's advance, aiming to organize a counterattack in 2024. "We will soon stabilize the situation. We will do everything to help soldiers be ready to fight more actively and take the initiative," Mr. Pavliuk said.

The statement was made by Mr. Pavliuk in the context that the Ukrainian army was in a passive position in the face of Russia's advance after losing the stronghold of Avdiivka in the East. General Pavliuk said the immediate goal of the Ukrainian army is to withdraw a number of units that have lost combat capacity from the front line, re-equip and supplement manpower to prepare for a counter-attack plan this year.

Western military and analysts believe that, at the present time, Ukraine should focus on defense to deal with the prospect of a new coordinated attack by Russia.

Faced with a shortage of ammunition and manpower, Ukraine is focusing on reinforcing its defenses while waiting for aid and preparing for a long war. The works include dragon tooth fences, anti-tank trenches, infantry trenches, minefields, and fortified defensive positions.

However, some opinions believe that Ukraine has been too slow in building a defense system. "They finally started building fortifications, but maybe it's too late. They just started this work last month," said Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, an opposition lawmaker in Ukraine.