According to the New York Times, Ukraine has suffered significant losses in its recent counteroffensive against Russian forces, with over 15 percent of the Bradley fighting vehicles provided by the US being damaged or destroyed. The resistance faced by Ukrainian troops, primarily due to heavy minefields laid by Russian forces, has hindered their progress. Despite the setbacks, both US and Ukrainian officials remain hopeful that significant advances can still be made in the ongoing conflict.
Key Points
1. Ukraine has lost over 15 percent of the Bradley fighting vehicles provided by the US: According to a US military official, at least 17 out of the 113 Bradley vehicles committed by the US have been damaged or destroyed in the fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine. This highlights the toll that the conflict has taken on Ukraine’s weaponry.
2. Ukraine’s counteroffensive faces challenges: The article mentions that Ukraine’s counteroffensive has been struggling due to heavy minefields laid by Russian forces and stiff resistance. The resistance has led to significant losses of military equipment, including Bradley vehicles and German-made Leopard tanks.
3. US officials express concern over Ukraine’s progress: An unnamed senior Biden administration official described Ukraine’s struggles in the counteroffensive as “sobering” for the US. While acknowledging the setbacks, both US and Ukrainian officials believe that significant advances could still be made in the assault, despite initial difficulties.
According to a US military official cited by The New York Times, Ukraine has lost more than 15 percent of the Bradley fighting vehicles provided by the US in its ongoing counteroffensive against Russia. The official stated that out of the 113 Bradley vehicles committed by the US in March, at least 17 had been damaged or destroyed in the fighting thus far. Ukraine’s counteroffensive has been hindered by heavy minefields laid by Russian forces and other strong resistance.
The US recently announced a $325 million weapons package for Ukraine, including 15 new Bradley vehicles to replace the ones that were lost. Additionally, Ukraine has been losing German-made Leopard tanks and is seeking more from Berlin. A senior Biden administration official described Ukraine’s struggles in the counteroffensive as “sobering” for the US and admitted that they are behind schedule.
Despite the setbacks, both US and Ukrainian officials believe that significant advances can still be made as the counteroffensive is still in its initial stages. President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the operation is progressing slower than desired but pledged that Ukrainian troops will continue to fight. The US has been criticized for pushing Ukraine to engage in the counteroffensive despite doubts about its chances of regaining significant territory. The Biden administration has rejected calls for a ceasefire or peace talks.
