Vladimir Putin’s military is “struggling to adapt” to Ukraine’s precision missile capability as the Russian military faces a counter-offensive in the country’s south. This week Ukrainian forces launched a long-awaited counteroffensive aimed at retaking the southern province of Kherson. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisers said their army broke through Russian defenses in several front-line areas near the city of Kherson. Russia’s military has been “disappointed” by its command centers in Ukraine being hit by long-range strikes, Western officials said on Friday. “Ukraine’s use of these long-range raids has achieved substantial effect against Russia and across Kherson,” they said.
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“It forces Russia to adjust its position, to adjust its tactics, and has caused great frustration in the Russian armed forces as they struggle to adapt to Ukraine’s precision strike and long-range capability.” Russia also has huge challenges in replenishing its ammunition supplies and is “trying to restore previously mothballed equipment to service,” the officials added. Earlier this week, Ukraine’s operational command in the South said its forces destroyed a pontoon bridge near the town of Daryivky in the Kherson region, which was used by Russian troops to bring in equipment and ammunition. The development of the counterattack is expected to be slow. The general staff of Ukraine’s armed forces also reported on Thursday fighting near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and further along the front lines in the east and south. Western officials vowed on Friday to “absolutely guarantee” the continued supply of ammunition and materials to Ukraine as it continues a slow-moving counteroffensive against Putin’s military. National Security Adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove said: “It is more than six months since Putin launched his unprovoked, illegal war, causing untold suffering to the innocent people of Ukraine, and there is mounting evidence of atrocities being committed by Russian forces. “Putin’s invasion has hurt people around the world, causing price increases and food insecurity, including for many who were already vulnerable, as well as desperate bloodshed. “Ukraine’s resistance inspired the world and showed tremendous courage in the face of brutality. Now that courageous resistance has stopped the Russian advance and shown the determination of the Ukrainian people and Armed Forces to regain their sovereign territory. “The risks surrounding this terrible conflict continue as Putin finds himself unable to make progress, his forces suffer heavy losses and sanctions continue to degrade his war machine and take money out of the pockets of Russia’s richest people. “At the same time, Russia is trying and failing to impose a veneer of legitimacy in the areas it temporarily controls, including through plans for staged mock referendums. “It won’t work. The UK and our allies will continue to provide humanitarian, financial and military assistance. “Our support for Ukraine and its people will not waver.”
