The chances of success of the Ukrainian army's winter counteroffensive in the southern direction decreased due to the decision of the commander of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Serhiy Surovikin, to withdraw troops from Kherson. The Financial Times writes about it.
Experts believe that the decision to leave Kherson helped Surovikin strengthen the front line.
"These stronger defensive positions reduce the chances of a successful winter counteroffensive by Ukraine, which could cut off the land corridor that stretches along the coast of the Sea of Azov and connects Russia with Crimea," the report says.
At the same time, Western analysts do not rule out that a breakthrough of the Armed Forces is possible.
Experts also believe that the morale of the Ukrainian military is higher than that of the enemy, who is tired and lacks weapons and ammunition.
"Russian tanks, drones and a lot of people are worthless if the intelligence and leadership are inadequate," the publication quotes the words of the former brigadier general of the British army, Ben Barry.