‘The last three weeks have become a ‘good time’ for Russia in the war with Ukraine’, – British expert says

The past three weeks have been a “good time” for Russia in Ukraine, according to Michael Clarke, a professor of defense studies at King’s College in London.

His column is being published in the Sunday Times.

During this period, the Russian military has intensified its attacks in Ukraine, focusing its main efforts on the Avdiivka and Kupyansk directions.

Avdiivka has become Ukraine’s “second Bakhmut.” However, unlike Bakhmut, Avdiivka holds genuine strategic value as it is located on a key route to Donetsk, and its road network makes it a gateway to the south of the Donbas region. Although the Russians have suffered significant losses near Avdiivka, these weeks have also been “tough” for Ukraine, Clarke writes. This is compounded by concerns that the West’s attention may be diverted by events in the Middle East.

“In Kyiv, there is concern that the West may stop providing assistance if it perceives that the situation on the front lines has reached a stalemate. Western leaders are not interested in a war of attrition and want to see success on the Ukrainian army’s part in the field,” the expert believes.

Among Ukrainian military personnel, there are rumors that Chief of the General Staff Valeriy Zaluzhny and President Volodymyr Zelensky have differing views on the situation. Zaluzhny believes that Ukraine should focus on holding its current positions and preparing for military operations in 2024. However, Zelensky disagrees with this approach.

If Ukraine manages to repel the Russian offensive, Clarke sees Ukraine’s next strategic move as a renewed push south to isolate Crimea.