"We thought we would be in Crimea by autumn": Ukrainian military names main difficulties of counter-offensive

Ukrainian soldiers said that the counter-offensive would take a long time. The country's defenders will have to face a huge number of Russian artillery and personnel on the battlefield.

In addition, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are also overcoming large minefields in the temporarily occupied territories. The military spoke about this in an article for The New York Times.

According to the commander of one of the battalions involved in the counter-offensive, many expected that Ukrainian defenders would enter Crimea in autumn. But in reality, every metre of territory regained costs the soldiers enormous effort and time.

"We have to do it quickly. Many thought it would be very fast and we would be in Crimea in autumn. But every metre of the tree line is very difficult. This is not a sprint. It's a marathon," said battalion commander Oleksandr.

While Ukrainian soldiers were undergoing training and waiting for equipment and weapons to arrive from their partners, the Russian occupation army was building a echelon defence for months. Russian troops have set up large minefields that Ukrainian troops have to overcome.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces also note that the Russian occupiers had the advantage of more artillery and troops.

"Our commanders are very balanced in their approach. We should not underestimate the enemy. The enemy is strong and cunning. So this counter-offensive requires constant preparation," said the brigade's deputy commander, a lieutenant colonel who uses the call sign "Consul".

The military noted that it was a mistake to think that the counter-offensive would be quick and easy. They added that when the command finds a weakness through which the defenders can break through, they will do so.

"Little by little, we will find a place where the seam will break. Water cuts through stone, and we will do the same, step by step. At first it's a small stream, and then it turns into a river," the Ukrainian soldier said.

As a reminder, Colonel Mart Vendla, Deputy General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces, said that a counter-offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces could bring positive results in early winter 2023. The occupiers' defence line is uneven, so Ukrainian defenders can break through it.

Earlier, the head of the Joint Coordination Press Centre of the Southern Defence Forces, Natalia Humeniuk, said that the advance of the Armed Forces continues, but it is reported in a dosed manner. She was answering a question about the situation in the south after the defenders broke through the defence line.

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