Russia fired nearly 400 drones at Ukraine, signaling the start of a spring offensive, with strikes reported in cities like Zaporizhzhia and Lviv that caused fires and casualties as rescuers raced to respond.
As Ukraine continues its campaign to retake territory occupied by Russian forces, military strategists and policymakers in the West are already planning for next year's spring offensive. With big gains proving elusive this year, there is a focus on how training and new equipment can tip the battlefield balance in Ukraine's favor.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry released a social media video showing soldiers urging silence over their counteroffensive plans ahead of a much-anticipated spring offensive.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that over 200,000 Russian troops have been "liquidated" in Ukraine, with Ukraine claiming to have destroyed thousands of tanks, drones, and artillery systems. Western officials estimate that Ukraine's casualty rate is on par with Russia's. Ukraine is preparing for a spring offensive, with analysts believing it will be carried out in the Zaporizhzhia region, where a vital triangle area holds the key to maintaining power in southern Ukraine. Russia is reportedly evacuating Ukrainians in the region to prepare for the offensive.
As the war in Ukraine enters its 400th day, troops are expected to mount a Spring Offensive. CNN military analyst Col. Cedric Leighton (Ret.) outlines some of the key weapons and equipment that will be making a difference on the battlefield, including Abrams tanks and Patriot missiles. These weapons could be game changers for Ukraine.
Ukraine is preparing for its spring offensive with the help of Western allies who have delivered over 230 tanks and 1,550 armored vehicles in recent months. The US has accelerated the timeline to ship M1 Abrams tanks to train and aid Ukrainian fighters. Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland, and Britain have also sent tanks to aid Ukraine. The influx of weapons and training is coming as Russia makes minor advances in the months-long struggle for control of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Russia has canceled an annual World War II commemoration over concerns that it would be used to highlight the country’s losses to Ukraine.
The US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Germany next month and begin training Ukrainian forces on how to operate them, in a step that adds a small number of the formidable weapons to Ukraine’s arsenal as it prepares for a spring offensive.
Ukraine is preparing for a spring offensive to break Russia's hold on southern and eastern Ukraine, with the goal of convincing Putin that his war has become a losing proposition. The US and its European allies have given Ukraine military and economic aid, but public support has weakened as the war has become longer and more expensive. Biden has promised to support Ukraine for "as long as it takes" to defeat Russia, but experts say time is not on his side. The outcome of the spring offensive is likely to further affect public opinion, and it's vital that the US and its allies give Ukraine as much help as they can now.
Ukraine is preparing for a spring offensive against Russia to break its hold on southern and eastern Ukraine. If successful, Putin could agree to peace talks on terms acceptable to Ukraine. However, if Ukraine fails, the conflict is likely to devolve into a long war of attrition. The war also has a Western front in the domestic politics of the United States and its European allies, which have given Ukraine the military and economic aid it needs to survive. Biden has promised to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” to defeat Russia, but support has weakened as the war has become longer and more expensive. The outcome of the spring offensive is likely to further affect public opinion.
Military activity is increasing around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear-power plant as Ukrainian and Russian forces prepare for an expected increase in fighting this spring. The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concern about the situation, citing a significant increase in the number of troops in the region and open talk about offensives and counteroffensives.
Ukraine's army chief claims that Russia's assault on the eastern city of Bakhmut is losing momentum, which supports Kyiv's decision to defend it. The Ukrainian military sees the Russian losses as paving the way for a spring offensive.
The US military is rushing equipment and training Ukrainian forces ahead of a major offensive against Russia expected by late spring. As spring approaches, US officials are increasingly concerned about Ukraine’s dwindling supply of ammunition, air defenses, and experienced soldiers. Instead, US officials are more focused on getting Ukraine ready for a major spring offensive to retake territory, which they expect to begin by May.