Russia launched a new offensive too early because it wanted to get ahead of US aid to Ukraine - Institute for the Study of War

Russia launched its latest offensive in the Kharkiv sector too early and without enough soldiers, as it wanted to get ahead of Western aid heading to Ukraine.

Here's What We Know

The Washington-based think tank Institute for the Study of War recently stated that "Russian forces likely launched the offensive in northern Kharkiv region earlier than planned, with insufficient forces, hoping to gain a foothold before the arrival of the resuming US military. frontline assistance has made this task more difficult."

Last month, Congress voted to resume aid to Ukraine after a six-month delay. The $61 billion package could have a major impact on the battlefield, but it is not decisive.

ISW argues that Russia seems to have been able to surprise Ukraine when it launched its offensive, and has made some gains in areas that Ukrainian officials said were not as well defended.

However, "the likely premature start of Russian offensive operations appears to have undermined Russia's success in the northern Kharkiv region".

The ISW said Russia appears to be trying to bring its Northern Group of forces up to planned strength before stepping up operations in the region. Ukrainian sources said this could be as many as 70,000 troops, up from around 35,000 at the start of the offensive.

However, ISW noted that even a 70,000-strong force "would not have the necessary manpower to conduct a successful operation to cover, surround or capture Kharkiv".

Source: Business Insider