This analysis on the Ukrainian counteroffensive (before it began) aged badly.

 

I have watched the reaction to the Ukrainian offensive and I have to say that I'm a bit amazed.

I can only look at this from the perspective of the US military, with the view of being a Marine and having worked alongside other service members (different era but you get the idea).

Looking at it from a US perspective I can only think that we don't usually fire generals.  But if a general had led an assault that got bogged down this badly the calls to fire him would be heard round the world.

We're 10 days (at least) into this thing and the Ukrainians haven't even made it to the main defensive line of the Russians.

I still think they moved too early, were batshit crazy to advertise it and failed to account for Russian resistance even though they watched them preparing positions for weeks if not months.

Long story short.

The Ukrainians were arrogant.  Apparently they believed their own propaganda.

From my chair they need to preserve their forces.  No need in continuing to hit your head against this anvil.  Sort yourself out and do it again when you have your shit together.

If they don't do that then they risk losing it all and seeing a massive push into their heartland.  Basic tactics is to wear your enemy down and then launch a savage counter attack when they're spent and demoralized.

This is a mess.  I'm sure the Pentagon/White House knew this was a gamble but didn't think it would be this bad.

This so smells like a political decision and not a military one that I can't help but think this was decided between Zelensky and Biden.

Side note.  I wonder what gave this guy the idea that they could rout the Russians?  Almost like he was expecting a Europe style Shock and Awe or perhaps better said a modern day Blitzkrieg.