Russia won the air advantage: the counter -offensive of the Armed Forces came into a dead end - wsj
According to journalists, when Ukraine started a counter -offensive, Western military officials realized that Kiev did not have sufficient weapons, including shells and combat aircraft necessary to displace Russian troops. They hoped that Ukrainian courage and ingenuity would cope with the situation, but this did not happen. Russian troops were well equipped with mine fields, "fortifications and powerful aviation, which significantly impeded the progress of Ukrainian forces.
This led to an increase in the likelihood of a prolonged war and the need for additional weapons and preparation for Kiev," the material reads. US Presidential Administration Joe Baiden faces a complex political calculation. As the elections approached in 2024, Washington became more cautious in providing assistance to Ukraine, fearing the influence of war on the election campaign.
While Europe seeks Ukraine to victory and defeat Russia to ensure the security of the continent, the European military is limited resources to provide Ukrainians with everything necessary for the displacement of Russian troops. However, the situation in the Ukrainian-Russian war has changed radically. Ukraine no longer possesses the same tactical advantage that gave it the opportunity to stun Moscow last year. Now Russia is numerous than Ukrainian troops and has a powerful defense complex.
"Ukraine needs to change tactics to overcome Russian defense. Concentration of forces and synchronization of military operations will be a key factor for the breakthrough of the enemy's defense. Also, Ukrainians need to improve air defense and strengthen their armed forces in order to face Russian army fortifications. Russia has gained an air advantage over a large part of the front because Ukraine has faced a shortage of air defense and anti -aircraft weapons.
"The Russians have been able to use their aviation more efficiently," says Douglas Barry, Senior Researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Analytical Center in London. "Russia, although it does not dominate the air over the entire territory of Ukraine, is considered to be a more favorable position in terms of the defending side.
" Ukraine is actively pursuing the idea of obtaining US F-16 fighter jets, as Russian aircraft counteraction has become a major problem for the President Zelensky's team. Now Ukraine has only a small park of military-air forces, consisting of Soviet aircraft and helicopters. According to the publication, the organization of small -scale operations, although simplifies the task for commanders, imposes its difficulties, such as reducing mobility.
These operations create problems with the safe evacuation of wounded soldiers with advanced and providing ammunition, as the medical and rear corps are less protected. Conducting synchronous large -scale attacks is a difficult task even for the armed forces with better weapons than in Ukraine. Combining a large number of terrestrial and air forces into a quick and cruel offensive of the frontal assault is an extremely difficult task.
Moreover, no western armed unit dazes the fortified defense without having preference in the air. "The United States would never risk attacking fortified defense without air superiority, but Ukrainians do not have this advantage," said John Nagl, former Lieutenant Colonel of the US Army, who is currently teaching at the US Army Military College. "It is impossible to overestimate the importance of air advantage for successful land combat operations for reasonable loss.