Ukrainian field general says counteroffensive not WWII movie

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: CNN
23 Sep 2023 16:06

The military general says that expectations of Ukraine's ground gains should be realistic and not like Second World War movies.

Ukrainian army reservists take part in military exercises near the village of Desna, Chernigiv region in 2022 (AFP)

Ukraine's army has breached Russian lines of defense in the south, General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, who is leading the operation in that region, told CNN on Saturday, adding that Kiev continues to make efforts to make ground gains in the Zaporizhzhia area.

"On the left flank, near the village of Verbove, we have achieved a breakthrough and are continuing our advance," he said.

However, the field general acknowledged that the progress had not been as swift as hoped, cautioning against unrealistic expectations akin to portrayals in "Second World War movies." But it is important "not to lose this initiative," he continued.

In a bid to regain lost ground, Ukraine launched a much-anticipated counteroffensive in early June. The operation fell short of meeting its objective, as per US officials, while major media outlets went as far as calling it a failure.

The goal of the counteroffensive was to seize the city and cut Russia's access to Crimea via land, and despite the billions of dollars put toward Kiev, the minimal territorial gain has been achieved.

Regarding current plans, Tarnavskiy pointed out that a significant breakthrough would occur if Kiev could capture the city of Tokmak, located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the frontline. As per his statement, taking control of the strategic area would enable Ukrainian forces to push deeper toward Melitopol and Crimea.

Commenting on rising concerns that the winter season might affect the counteroffensive and hinder field progress, Tarnavskiy expressed a different viewpoint on the matter. He acknowledged that adverse weather conditions could pose challenges but believed they wouldn't heavily impact the counteroffensive, particularly considering the infantry-centric nature of their movements.

Offering insight into the type of combat occurring in the south, he explained: "Right now, neither the enemy nor us uses large formations, companies, battalions or brigades. We use assault squads, groups of 10 to 15 men."

"They conduct titanic work of concentrating enemy fire on them and using all the means they have to use to survive."

Tarnavskiy emphasized that the counteroffensive's success depended not only on events at the front but also on "destroying command centers" that create chaos on the battlefield. He noted that attacks on Crimea boosted the morale of Ukraine's forces, stating, "It helps us but it also gives us hope for the future."

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