Despite the fact that Russian troops remain focused on their offensive in Donetsk region, using infantry, armored vehicles and aircraft, the Armed Forces of Ukraine may launch a counteroffensive in 2025. This is reported by The Telegraph, according to UNN.
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The publication cites several factors that could still undermine Moscow's resolve.
First, if Ukraine continues to succeed in Kursk, Russia may have to withdraw more forces from the occupied territories. This would potentially weaken their defense positions and help Ukrainian forces expand the range of drone strikes.
Second, the Ukrainian brigades currently undergoing training could be deployed to reinforce either the Kursk or Donetsk regions, depending on where Russian forces show signs of weakness. This flexibility could allow Kyiv to launch a counteroffensive in 2025, rather than just another offensive in the occupied Donbas.
According to the newspaper, the third factor is the destruction of the Russian Black Sea Fleet by Ukraine and the accelerated dismantling of the Russian air defense network in Crimea. This has forced Russian troops on the peninsula to go on the defensive, which is likely to affect whether Crimea will be the next target. And the Kerch Bridge, which is already a frequent target of Ukrainian sabotage, will be destroyed in the near future.
Pentagon: Russia moves “small number of forces” to Kursk region8/21/24, 2:28 AM