Experts say that extensive minefields laid by Russian forces are posing a major challenge for Ukraine’s counteroffensive. The tools available to the Ukrainian military for removing these minefields are inadequate, according to these experts.
Rob Lee, a senior fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute, explains that Russia has deployed minefields in innovative ways as part of their defense strategy. During the initial phase of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which began in early June, Ukrainian forces suffered significant casualties and were slowed down due to these minefields.
In the following weeks, Ukrainian infantry troops engaged in intense combat, often advancing on foot. Recently, Ukraine has brought in its reserve troops, tanks, and mine clearing vehicles to support the counteroffensive in southern Ukraine, as confirmed by two Pentagon officials.
Despite these efforts, Ukraine’s advance has been slow. In the past week, they have claimed small gains of around five square miles in the south. However, since recapturing the village of Staromaiorske on July 27, the Ukrainian military has provided limited information about the ongoing fighting.
Whenever Ukrainian forces have used mine clearing vehicles to clear a path through the minefields, Russia has responded with its antitank capabilities, exposing a vulnerability for Ukraine.
According to Mick Ryan, a retired Australian army major general, mine clearing technology has not progressed as rapidly as other areas of warfare, such as drones and precision guided missiles.
To overcome their disadvantages in troops and weapons, Ukraine is attempting to advance on three fronts, including two southern sectors and outside Bakhmut, the eastern city that fell to Russia in May. The goal is to force Russian commanders to make difficult decisions about where to deploy their forces.
However, if Ukraine only succeeds in one direction and it becomes clear which axis of advance is the main one, Russia can potentially deploy reserves there, warns Rob Lee.
Reporting by Marc Santora.
2023-07-31 12:33:32
Original from www.nytimes.com
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