Russia-Ukraine war: Will there be a spring counteroffensive?
Europe’s biggest armed conflict since World War II is poised to enter a new phase in the coming weeks
By BARRY HATTON
Published - Apr 01, 2023, 02:35 AM ET
Last Updated - Jun 22, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT
Europe’s biggest armed conflict since World War II is poised to enter a new phase in the coming weeks.
With no suggestion of a negotiated end to the 13 months of fighting between Russia and Ukraine, the Ukrainian defense minister said last week that a spring counteroffensive could begin as soon as April.
Kyiv faces a key tactical question: How can the Ukrainian military dislodge Kremlin forces from land they are occupying? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is working hard to keep his troops, and the general public, motivated for a long fight.
Here’s a look at how the fighting has evolved and how the spring campaign might unfold: