Russia’s summer offensive plans failed: the enemy is forced to regroup and search for reserves – Pavlo Lakiichuk Russia failed to achieve all the objectives set within the framework of the summer offensive. Their plans collapsed, and the resources spent, instead of developing success, were thrown into unsuccessful attempts to break through Ukrainian defenses. Pavlo Lakiichuk, head of security programs at the Center for Global Studies “Strategy XXI”, retired captain first rank of the Ukrainian Navy, told OstroV.
“But to say that the russians achieved everything within the summer offensive is completely wrong. Their plans also failed. They spent the forces intended for developing success on attempts to break through our defenses. Therefore, they too have to regroup and look for resources if they want to continue the offensive”, - the expert explained.
He reminded that even the Chief of the General Staff of the russian federation admitted the need to change the pace of mobilization.
“Gerasimov stated this directly, emphasizing that the offensive operation continues. His speech was rather vague, but it indicates that the strategic offensive operation has in fact exhausted previous possibilities. The russians need to regroup, identify reserves, and that is why Gerasimov speaks about the need to increase the pace of mobilization. They are preparing for a new campaign”, - Lakiichuk noted.
According to him, western media traditionally call such stages the “last push”, but every time after failure, a new one appears.
“You know, they always say: ‘Here comes the last push’. Then they say: ‘That last push failed – we’re waiting for the next one’. And so it goes in circles”, - he explained.
Answering the question of whether russia still has the strength for new offensive actions, the military expert emphasized that everything will depend on resources.
“When an operation is planned, the command first conducts a review of its forces and means. Based on this, the concept of the operation is formed. Perhaps the directions of the strikes will be changed: they will try to advance where our defenses are weaker. Or they will continue to act according to the old plan, but with a narrower front”, - summarized Pavlo Lakiichuk.