According to a report by the Russian Satellite News Agency on the 4rd, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pefkul believes that considering that the current rainy weather hinders the initiative of the front, the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army may begin a month later.
According to reports, Pefkul attended the meeting of the International Contact Group on Ukrainian Defense Issues held at the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany on the 21st. Pefkul said in an interview with Estonian National Radio and Television (ERR) on the 23rd, "If you hear opinions from the Ramstein base, then it may be another month or so before we can talk about the real counteroffensive (in Ukraine)." This may happen earlier if the weather changes; If the weather doesn't change, it's going to be a month, maybe two months. ”
Infographic: Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pefkul.
Pefkul said that the obstacle to the current offensive is not the lack of Abrams tanks, but the weather conditions in Ukraine.
Pevkul also noted that in addition to anti-aircraft equipment, Ukrainians have a large need for ammunition. There are also special needs, including heavy trucks and trailers. Separately, he said that Estonia is considering the issue of supplying Ukraine with Western models of fighters.
There have been many statements about the timing of the counteroffensive in Ukraine. Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmygal claimed in early April that Ukraine's counteroffensive could begin in the summer. He later said the counteroffensive would begin "in the near future." According to Newsweek, previously leaked Pentagon documents show that the Ukrainian offensive seems to begin on April 4.
The British "Economist" magazine recently published an article saying that the Ukrainian army's offensive attempt may end in being surrounded, and the "counteroffensive" planned by the Kiev government has great risks.
The article reads, "When attacking, the number of Ukrainian troops is needed more than the number of defenders, but this can only be achieved in some areas." Even if the Kiev side can break through the defense line, it needs to act carefully, otherwise it risks falling into the encirclement. “
The publication also noted that Ukraine and its Western allies should therefore be prepared for the worst or with little effect.