Ukraine’s Allies Fear War Breakthrough May Not Come Before Next Year
- Officials lower expectations for Ukrainian offensive in 2023
- Gap between rhetoric and deliveries stirs concern in Kyiv
Ukrainian infantrymen prepare a drone in east Ukraine, on April 13.
Photographer: Anatolii Stepanov/AFP/Getty Images
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Some of Ukraine’s European allies are increasingly skeptical its military will be able to make a decisive breakthrough this year because Russia’s defenses have had time to dig in ahead of the looming offensive.
The mood among Western officials marks a sharp departure from late last year, when Kyiv surprised its allies - as well as Russia - with a pair of successful counteroffensives that recaptured large swathes of occupied land.