Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the ZSU counter-offensive last summer, which ended in failure, was doomed from the start.
According to Zelensky, this was because the Russians knew exactly where the Ukrainian forces would attack. “The Russians knew where we would attack. How did they know? How did they get this information? I can't tell you that. History will tell," said Zelensky, quoted by Business Insider.
During a press conference in late February, Zelensky revealed that Kiev's plans were on Putin's table in the Kremlin even before the attack began. It is not clear who the informant was, but the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, also confirmed that there had been a leak of sensitive information.
Zelensky admitted that the long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive in 2023 did not bring results. According to him, another reason is that the Ukrainians were not well enough armed. Regarding the current year 2024, Zelensky is convinced that Ukraine must destroy the Crimean bridge. Part of Zelensky's vision for a successful counteroffensive in 2024 includes prioritizing infrastructure targets such as bridges and airports, including the bridge over the Kerch Strait built by the Russians.
But Zelensky also said it's not just about that particular target, but rather about facilities that help Russia wage war against Ukraine. “There are bridges over which weapons are delivered. Airports from which planes take off and bomb us. These are legitimate purposes. Not to mention that they are in the occupied territories of Ukraine," Zelensky said.