The Ukrainian Counteroffensive: Has It Started or Not?

Ukrainian forces have intensified their attacks along the frontline in the southeast of the country in recent days, according to four individuals within the Ukrainian military who spoke on the condition of anonymity. They indicated that the long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces has indeed begun, suggesting a new phase in the war. However, the Ukrainian army denied the initiation of the planned counteroffensive against Russian forces, with a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Ukrainian army telling Reuters, "We have no information to that effect." Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu was quoted by Interfax news agency today, stating that his forces "repelled four attempts by Ukrainian forces to breach the front line in the southern Zaporizhia region last night." Shoigu noted that "four separate Ukrainian attacks along the front were thwarted, forcing Kyiv’s forces to retreat with heavy losses."