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— MarkHertling (@MarkHertling) May 15, 2023
Read here: https://t.co/OuOa959f7N
I predict Zaluzhny and his Army will eventually liberate most — if not all — of the land occupied by the Russians in this offensive. I know the Ukrainian army, and I also know the Russian army, and there is no doubt in my mind that will be the ultimate result of this offensive campaign. But it is impossible to say with any certainty how exactly it will play out. We can assume it will be a difficult fight. It will severely test the newly assembled Ukrainian force. It will result in many tragic casualties on both sides. And it will strain Russian President Vladimir Putin's will.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also need to prepare for what happens after these initial battles. Ukrainian civilians in the occupied territory will need humanitarian assistance. Massive demining operations will be necessary, as the Russians have been scattering mines and cluster munitions across fields in anticipation of the counteroffensive. And criminally damaged infrastructure will need to be rebuilt.
Peace and victory will come to Ukraine. But it will likely not be an easy one, nor will it be lasting. For those reasons, the West must continue its support.
Media: @MarkHertling to @wolfblitzer: "A #Ukrainian commander, General Zaluzhnyi, can do two things right now: pick the time and pick the place" of Kyiv's offensive. "Once he picks it, he's going to go full force. Some of the things we're seeing now will pale in significance." pic.twitter.com/6pFLxq2kYL
— Porter Anderson (@Porter_Anderson) May 15, 2023
