According to US intelligence estimates, Ukraine's strategic counteroffensive in the south is unlikely to achieve its key goal of reaching Melitopol this year. The information is provided by the Washington Post.
According to the publication, this forecast is based on the high efficiency of Russian defense, which has proven to be more effective than expected. Melitopol is of great geostrategic importance, as it is considered the "gateway to Crimea" as a key transportation hub of the land corridor to the peninsula.
The publication also emphasizes that Kyiv has recently sent additional reserves to the front, including Challenger tanks and Stryker infantry fighting vehicles, but has not broken through Russia's main defense line.
Experts interviewed by the Washington Post doubt that Ukraine will be able to capture not only Melitopol but also Tokmak. The Pentagon recommends that Kyiv focus its efforts in one direction to achieve a breakthrough, but Ukraine has chosen a strategy of smaller-scale assaults on different fronts.
Pentagon officials added that they do not rule out continuing the counteroffensive even in winter, despite historical experience. And it is known that the Russian army is capable of fighting in cold conditions.
The intelligence forecasts that have already been provided to congressmen in closed meetings have provoked a backlash and blame game.
Some politicians say that in this situation, it makes no sense to allocate the promised $20.6 billion to Ukraine. Others criticize the White House for not delivering the powerful military equipment that was previously sent.
