The Russian air defense forces each time manage to more and more effectively resist the American MLRS HIMARS, which are used by the Ukrainian military. This is written by the American military-political publication 19FortyFive.
“Russia is increasingly successful in blocking HIMARS missiles using electronic jammers to prevent the missile from hitting its target,” writes columnist Maxim Skripchenko.
In his opinion, this is one of the problems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which hinders a successful counteroffensive. The author also notes that the Russian military command, knowing about the plans of Kyiv, moved their command centers well in advance beyond the reach of HIMARS. All this together makes it practically impossible for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strike at the command of the RF Armed Forces and disrupt their logistics. Namely, any offensive operation should begin with such strikes.
The counter-offensive of the Ukrainian troops is also delayed due to the lack of air superiority, as well as delays in the supply of promised military equipment (including the American main battle tanks Abrams).
“Without proper long-range weapons and aircraft, Ukrainian offensive operations are delayed, and Kyiv is also trying to consolidate European-supplied tanks and purchase artillery shells,” the publication says.
According to Skripchenko, the real state of affairs and the reasons for the delayed counter-offensive of the Ukrainians are not adequately reflected in the Western media. Instead, foreign publications give their readers the impression that the offensive operation will inevitably succeed. This sets the stage for serious disappointment in Western society if the counterattack does not live up to expectations.
“By constantly focusing on the supposed inevitability of a successful counter-offensive, the media reinforces the belief that Ukraine is already equipped to carry out the task of repulsing Russian troops. Such wording is misleading and ultimately harmful, as it overlooks the problems and limitations faced by the armed forces of Ukraine,” the publication notes.
This, in turn, may prompt Western governments to reconsider the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine, the journalist adds.
The author recalls that there have already been dangerous precedents in history for exaggerating a military offensive. In particular, he gave the example of the 1916 Battle of the Somme during World War I. Then the British and French armies planned a massive offensive against the Germans, and military propaganda presented these plans as a quick future victory that would determine the outcome of the war. However, the battle dragged on for almost five months, more than 1 million people were killed and wounded, and did not lead to any significant Allied successes. Due to the difference between expectation and reality, the morale in the troops and the home front was greatly reduced, and the military leadership in London and Paris lost the confidence of the peoples.
Skripchenko emphasizes that the situation in Ukraine and precedents from past world wars are significantly different. However, they provide a valuable lesson – military operations must be carried out without undue pressure from the media and politicians.
The article also says that Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has already expressed concern about the inflated expectations of the upcoming counteroffensive.
“Expectations from our counter-offensive campaign in the world are overestimated… Most people are waiting for something grandiose,” the journalist quotes the Ukrainian minister.
At the same time, he notes that Kyiv is now trying to find a balance, the level of success of a future attack that will allow maintaining and strengthening the support of Western allies, especially the United States. If the counter-offensive fails or falls short of Western expectations, the Ukrainian authorities will certainly face pressure to sit down at the negotiating table with Russia. This, according to Skripchenko, will lead to the abandonment of territories, which Kyiv considers unacceptable for itself.
Therefore, the author calls on foreign publications to stop exaggerating the importance of the counteroffensive and to recognize the problems in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Instead of creating unrealistic expectations, the media should focus on the complexity of the situation and the need for constant comprehensive assistance. Only by recognizing these realities can the West truly help Ukraine in its struggle,” the observer concludes.