The West’s policy against striking Russia has played a significant role in the new offensive in Ukraine, according to military analysts. With a second front opening in the war and a surprise reshuffle in Vladimir Putin’s cabinet, the battlefield environment is rapidly changing.
Russia’s recent offensive in the Kharkiv region, where they claim to have seized nine border settlements, has caught Ukraine by surprise. While Ukraine was aware of Russia amassing military forces in the region, the scale and ferocity of the attack was unexpected.
Military analysts believe that Russia does not have the resources to sustain a significant second front without compromising their main effort in the Donbas region. However, by taking advantage of Ukraine’s shortage of weapons and opening a second front, Russia is forcing Ukraine to spread its resources thinly, leaving them vulnerable on the frontline.
Russia’s military objectives in this new offensive include creating a buffer zone to protect the Russian border town of Belgorod and threatening the major Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. The West’s policy against targeting Russian forces on Russian territory limits Ukraine’s ability to counter Russia’s movements.
Despite the speculation on Putin’s objectives, the dynamic nature of the battlefield and Russia’s considerable forces in reserve mean that the situation could quickly escalate. The West’s policy against striking Russia has undoubtedly influenced the current offensive in Ukraine, and the implications of this policy will continue to shape the conflict.