Has Russia begun its major summer counter-offensive in Ukraine?

According to Telegram channels monitoring the Ukraine conflict, there are many indications that the Russian Army launched a large-scale counteroffensive in the summer of 2024.

On the Avdeevka front, Russian assault forces are advancing rapidly and deeper westward, after successfully capturing Novokalynove and Keramik. The Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) have found no way to stop the Russian advance.

Chiến sự Nga-Ukraine hôm nay ngày 28/4/2024: Nga đã bắt đầu chiến dịch phản công lớn mùa hè tại Ukraine?

Russia could launch a major counterattack before US military aid packages arrive in Ukraine. Photo: Getty

In Krasnohorivka, the Russian Army is also maintaining overwhelming superiority through large-scale, intense fire attacks using FAB bombs and artillery.

Meanwhile, on the Kupyansk front, after a long period of inactivity, the Russian army has made offensive moves following months of de-escalation. The first step for the Russian side was to gain control of the village of Kislyvka, and they are developing exploratory attacks in various directions.

According to Western predictions, Russia is preparing for a large-scale military operation with main attack directions targeting Kharkiv or Odessa with the goal of creating a security buffer zone. This is even clearer as Russia needs to gain the upper hand before US military aid arrives and prolongs the war.

Meanwhile, on his personal Telegram channel, Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky stated that the AFU needs at least seven Patriot air defense missile systems.

The Ukrainian leader emphasized, " We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles for them," noting that Kyiv's partners already possess these weapons. Volodymir Zelensky urged allies not to waste time and to send a "signal of determination at this crucial moment."

In March 2024, the Ukrainian president declared that 5-7 Patriot systems would help protect the country's industrial infrastructure: " They will unlock the skies and create opportunities for progress."

In an interview with CNN, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba said he was criticized for not having a Plan B in case Western military aid did not reach the country.

Ukraine has requested additional Patriot missile systems from its allies to defend against potential Russian air attacks. (Photo: Defense News)

Dmitry Kuleba has received much criticism for not having a contingency plan; and for his comments on the US Congress 's decision to approve a new aid package for Ukraine. " Better for good things to happen later than nothing at all."

A Ukrainian diplomat assessed that Kyiv has no Plan B in case the US completely stops aid: “ I have always said that we don’t need a Plan B because Plan A is about consensus on solutions, not half-hearted solutions. I told the US Secretary of State that I don’t have any Plan B; Plan A must be feasible . ”

Regarding aid to Ukraine, military expert and Associate Professor of Political Analysis and Socio-Psychology at Plekhanov University of Economics, Oleg Glazunov, assessed that the delay in providing military aid has exacerbated the situation on the front lines.

“ The military commander in Ukraine is a soldier; he understands that without aid, Ukraine is losing. Aid only delays the end of the conflict a little longer. There will be more damage and casualties. I think he has realized that resistance is futile; nothing can change the situation ,” said military expert Oleg Glazunov.

The commander-in-chief of the AFU, General Alexander Syrsky, stated that the situation on the front lines is deteriorating and showing signs of escalation. He made this statement to Kyiv's allies at a meeting of the Ramstein Contact Group on Ukraine's defense capabilities.

General Syrsky added that the AFU needs ammunition, weapons, and military equipment for the next offensive and to defend critical infrastructure such as power plants against Russian air strikes.

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