Apparently related to Western media and sources talking about a new, big Ukrainian summer offensive to create ‘new facts on the ground’ before the U.S. presidential election, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported yesterday that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have prepared eight motorized infantry and mechanized brigades, the equivalent of about one army corps (20,000-45,000 soldiers), for an offensive. Czech President Petr Pavel told the media that Ukraine will receive 50,000 artillery shells in July and August as part of a “Czech initiative.” Then, from September until the end of 2024, 80,000 to 100,000 rounds of ammunition will be sent monthly.
“With such supplies, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be able to use on average 1,500—3,000 shells per day at the front,” said often-quoted military expert, retired Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev, to Nezavisimaya Gazeta. “If they are not used immediately and some of the ammunition is used in the direction of the main attack, then the density of artillery fire can be significantly increased and a counter-offensive from Ukrainian troops will happen. Under certain conditions, an offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces can be organized in the Donbass or in the direction of Melitopol to try to reach the Sea of Azov. In addition, by the end of the summer, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are expecting the arrival of fourth-generation F-16 fighters, high-precision missiles and new batteries of Patriot and SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile systems,” he told the Russian news daily.
