Ukraine braces for toughest battle yet: Commander warns of perilous months ahead

The Ukrainian army is facing unprecedented challenges, according to a Ukrainian commander who has reported that the situation at the front is "the most dangerous since the beginning of the full-scale war". This situation has raised alarms over the next two critical months.

Major Maksym Zhoryn of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has expressed in a Telegram post that the current situation at the front is "the most dangerous since the beginning of the full-scale war". "In 2022, we encountered an outdated Russian army, lacking a sufficient number of experienced officers. However, now we face a transformed adversary; the enemy learns and adapts," he noted.

Zhoryn pointed out that the Ukrainian army's delay in mobilization cost valuable time, during which Russian troops prepared for a "new offensive". Although the exact outcomes are uncertain, he signaled potential advancements by Russian forces in Kharkiv, the south, Donbas, or even simultaneously across these areas.

However, Zhoryn clarified that his intention is not to incite panic but to reassure the Ukrainian forces that they are ready to meet these challenges head-on. "Preparations are ongoing. We will utilize all available means. The entire country must unite and prepare alongside us," he concluded.

As cited by Unian, experts stress the urgency for the Ukrainians to bolster their defense lines immediately. They assert that May and June are poised to be "critical" months. The outcome for the Ukrainian army heavily depended on the timely arrival of Western weapons. If the Ukrainian forces hold their ground during these months, they are expected to stabilize the front line by mid-summer with Western support.

Recent developments have seen Russian forces breach the Ukrainian defense line north of Avdiivka, advancing towards the town of Ocheretyn and securing an additional 124 square miles of territory. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russian forces are now positioning for an offensive on the town of Chasiv Yar, benefiting from a significant numerical advantage, and making progress in the Donetsk area.