In a recent chat with CNN, retired U.S. Army general and former CIA director, David Petraeus, expressed cautious optimism about Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. While Kyiv’s initial success in taking out six of Putin’s missiles made waves in May, the road to victory has been more arduous than anticipated by many Western observers.
However, Petraeus believes it’s premature to dismiss Ukraine’s chances. “When it comes to cracking the lines in a few areas, I have faith in the Ukrainians,” he noted.
Drawing parallels between U.S. military interventions and Ukraine’s situation, Petraeus highlighted the unique challenges Kyiv faces. “Ukraine’s battlefield situation contrasts starkly with the U.S. experiences in wars like the Gulf War,” Petraeus stated. He further explained that while the U.S. enjoyed air supremacy in operations like Iraq, Ukrainian aircraft face restrictions over Russian territories.
In a thought-provoking opinion piece for The Washington Post, penned alongside military analyst Frederick Kagan, Petraeus gives readers a deeper look. “We’re merely 10 weeks into a counteroffensive likely to stretch on for months,” they wrote. Emphasizing the unpredictable nature of warfare, they added, “Wars aren’t straightforward. Defenders might resist persistently, only to suddenly crumble, giving attackers a chance to surge ahead.”
Detailing the challenges Ukraine grapples with, Petraeus shed light on Russia’s strategic defense approach. “Russians are using an elastic defense strategy. They retreat initially, only to strike back when Ukrainian forces are stretched thin,” he remarked.
However, he sees glimmers of hope for Ukraine. Pointing out the weariness of Russian frontline troops and the uncertainties surrounding their secondary defense capabilities, Petraeus suggested that the tide could still turn in Ukraine’s favor. “With the pressure Ukraine is exerting, a breakthrough might be on the horizon. The strength and quality of Russian soldiers manning secondary defense lines remain questionable,” Petraeus concluded.