- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed confidence that Ukraine’s counteroffensive is gaining momentum despite the challenges posed by Russia’s dense minefields.
- Ukrainian officials revealed that Russia’s extensive minefields have considerably slowed down Ukraine’s progress.
- Analysts believe that delayed Western weapons deliveries gave Russia more time to lay mines and traps, enhancing their defensive capabilities.
During the Aspen Security Forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s military is successfully navigating through Russia’s dense minefields, and their counteroffensive is gathering pace.
Zelenskyy emphasized, “We are approaching a moment when our actions can gain momentum because we are currently clearing mine-infested areas,” as reported by the Financial Times.
In an interview with CNN, Zelenskyy previously mentioned that Ukraine’s progress had been hindered by well-established Russian defenses, and he had waited for more Western weapons to arrive before initiating the counteroffensive.
The presence of landmines, tripwires, and booby traps have significantly affected Ukraine’s advancement, forcing soldiers to meticulously clear pathways using metal detectors and other specialized equipment.
The extensive minefields laid by Russian forces have also forced Ukrainian soldiers to abandon some of their advanced Western tanks and proceed on foot.
A decorated former US Army Special Forces engineer, experienced in clearing improvised explosives in Afghanistan and dealing with threats in Ukraine, commented that the minefields being laid by Russia are unlike anything he has seen before.
Ukrainian soldiers have revealed that Russia took advantage of the prolonged buildup to the counteroffensive to fortify their defenses.
Prior satellite imagery showed Russia fortifying its 600-mile front line with minefields, barricades, “dragon’s teeth,” and anti-tank ditches before Ukraine’s operation commenced.
Due to the presence of landmines, unexploded ordinances, and artillery shells, approximately 30% of Ukraine’s landmass, an area roughly the size of Florida, is now contaminated. This has made Ukraine the most mined country in the world, according to The Washington Post.
Insider’s analysts previously highlighted that delays in providing weapons to Ukraine gave Russia more time to prepare its defenses, likely impeding the effectiveness of Ukraine’s counteroffensive.
OLEKSII FILIPPOV/AFP via Getty Images
Despite the threat of landmines, Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine’s counteroffensive is gaining momentum.
However, it remains uncertain how many of Ukraine’s forces have actively joined the counteroffensive efforts. According to recent statements from multiple Ukrainian officials, the majority of Ukraine’s forces have yet to be deployed to the frontline.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noted that the effectiveness of the counteroffensive will become apparent only when Ukraine commits all of its forces to the fight.
“The results of the counteroffensive will be evident once they fully commit,” Sullivan stated, as reported by the Financial Times.
While Ukraine initiated the long-anticipated counteroffensive in early June, the gains have been relatively modest so far.
Meanwhile, Russia has only managed to capture a small portion of Ukrainian territory in recent months, with less than 6.8 square miles seized in April.
