Ukraine, which has stepped up mobilization, has formed several new brigades, but probably will not be able to arm them due to the delay in aid from partners, UNIAN agency reported.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), timely and adequate Western security assistance continues to be a critical factor in determining when and to what extent Ukrainian forces will be able to take the initiative on the battlefield and whether they will be able to conduct counteroffensive operations in future.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces are in a better position in terms of manpower than they were a few months ago. However, he also acknowledged that Ukraine's ability to conduct a future counteroffensive operation depends on arming the brigades with artillery, tanks and other heavy equipment. A similar assessment at the tactical level was given by the commander of the Ukrainian brigade operating near Chasov Yar. According to him, the Ukrainian forces in his operational zone have a greater need for ammunition than for manpower.
At the same time, the Ukrainian media constantly emphasize the lack of sufficient material means to equip all the new Ukrainian brigades that are currently being formed. Current reports note that due to the slow supply of weapons, the equipment of new brigades is in question. Zelensky admitted that military equipment is arriving at the front too slowly.
Analysts say Ukraine's ability to conduct operationally significant counteroffensive operations at a time of its choosing is critical to avoiding a prolongation of the war.