CNN: Ukraine's Counteroffensive Does Not Meet Western Expectations, but Optimism Remains

Ukraine's initial counteroffensive operations have been less successful than anticipated by the West, while Russian forces have demonstrated greater competence than previously thought.

As two Western officials and a senior U.S. military official told CNN, Ukraine's counteroffensive is "not meeting expectations on any front."

The senior military official explained that Russian lines of defence have been proving well-fortified, making it difficult for Ukrainian forces to breach them. In addition, Russian forces have had success bogging down Ukrainian armour with missile attacks and mines and have been deploying air power more effectively.

Additionally, Ukraine forces are proving "vulnerable" to minefields and Russian forces "competent" in their defense.

However, CNN sources warned that the counteroffensive is still in its early stages, and that the US and its allies "remain optimistic" Ukrainian forces will be able to make territorial gains over time.

Furthermore, they note that Ukrainian forces have themselves been adapting to Russian tactics and defenses, including carrying out more dismounted operations. In recent days, Ukrainian forces have also had more success targeting and shooting down Russian aircraft.

Ultimately, the counteroffensive is proving a "tough drive" for Ukraine and Russia, one of the Western official said, with both sides incurring heavy losses.

"Ukrainian casualties are heavy, though not as bad as the Russia's are trying to portray," said one of CNN's sources.

Earlier this week, the Pentagon commented on the progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive operations, stating that Ukrainian forces have the necessary means for their actions to be successful.