Ukraine’s counter-offensive has gained momentum.
Last week, the Ukrainian army pushed past Russia’s third and final line of defense in the Zaporizhzhya region of southwestern Ukraine, writes the ISW think tank in a report.
On Friday, the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in occupied Crimea was also attacked – and on Monday, Ukraine says that Viktor Sokolov, commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, was killed, reports AFP.
CNN has interviewed General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, who is leading the Ukrainian counter-offensive.
– On the left flank we have a breakthrough and we continue to advance further, says the general and at the same time admits that his troops are moving more slowly than expected.
– Not as fast as expected, not like in the movies about World War II, but the most important thing is not to lose this initiative that we have.
Believe in bigger breakthroughs
General Tarnavsky believes the big breakthrough for the counter-offensive would be if Ukraine can retake Tokmak – the city in southern Ukraine seen as a strategic hub for Russia.
– I think it will happen after Tokmak. Tokmak is the minimum target. The overall goal is to get to our state borders, he tells CNN, which writes that the Ukrainian forces are still about two miles from the city.
In just over a month, the infamous Ukrainian mud is expected to spread again. Then it will be significantly more difficult to get forward with mechanized units – and experts believe that the counter-offensive may then lose steam.
Small groups
General Tarnavsky agrees that it will be more difficult to advance with tanks but that the weather will not stop the Ukrainian advances, as the forces move in small groups, mostly on foot.
– The weather can be a serious obstacle during the offensive, but considering how we are moving forward, mostly without vehicles, I don’t think the weather will affect the counteroffensive greatly, he says and continues:
– Right now, neither the enemy nor we are using large formations, companies, battalions or brigades. We use assault troops of ten to 15 men.