Ukraine Braces for Tough Battle Against Russia's Fierce Resistance in Counteroffensive

Ukraine Launches Counteroffensive Against Russian-Occupied Territory

Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian-occupied territory in the south and east of the country has resulted in limited gains, with just eight settlements reclaimed in the last couple of weeks. The country's armed forces are expected to face a tough duel with Russia in the weeks and months ahead. Fighting between the two forces has intensified over the past few weeks, with counteroffensive operations launched by Kyiv in the southern to eastern Ukrainian frontlines.

The Tough Task Ahead

According to Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, the country's troops in the Zaporizhia direction have advanced up to seven kilometers and reclaimed 113 square kilometers of territory, including eight settlements, in the past week. But Maliar conceded that it is quite challenging for the country's defenders to move forward as the enemy is focused on stopping the offensive. They are fighting in both the east and the south of Ukraine, and the biggest blow is yet to come.

An Uphill Battle for Ukraine

Ukraine is expected to launch a bigger counterattack in the months ahead, but defense analysts have warned that the country's expectations may be too high. The country, which saw rapid gains through counteroffensives last year, is now facing a greater challenge from Russia as it has had time to build deep defenses in the occupied regions. Ukraine has repeatedly called on its allies to provide fast delivery of weapons and military hardware to aid the counteroffensive.

Optimizing the Counteroffensive

Defense advisors from Ukraine have urged patience, stating that the military command is taking a careful decision-making approach in planning daily military steps. The country is probing and doing reconnaissance in different parts of the frontline, improving in some areas while facing greater challenges in others. The counteroffensive's slow progress is expected as Russia has complete air dominance along the frontline. Ukraine's international allies, especially NATO, have been criticized for their slowness in supplying hardware to the country.

The Cost of the War

The new phase of the war is expected to become costly for both sides, in terms of personnel and military hardware. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Russia's Ministry of Defense have reported each other's losses, but the information's reliability remains unknown to CNBC. Moving ahead, Ukraine aims to integrate its armed forces into NATO's military structure. Resulting in increased purchase of military hardware and protection, Ukraine is prepared for a prolonged war with Russia.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in significant damage to the country's military and infrastructure in the south and east of the country. As the conflict continues to escalate, new businesses should consider potential economic impacts, such as disrupted supply chains and export markets. The lack of stability and uncertainty surrounding the ongoing military conflict could also deter foreign investment and hinder business growth.

Furthermore, Ukraine has called on its allies to provide military equipment and support to aid in the counteroffensive, highlighting a potential political impact for businesses. Business relationships with countries that are allies of Ukraine may be negatively affected, while relationships with countries that support Russia could strengthen. The ultimate outcome of the conflict may also dictate future foreign policies and trade agreements, which would undoubtedly impact international trade and business operations.

While it's difficult to predict the long-term impact of the conflict on businesses, it's clear that the ongoing conflict poses a significant obstacle for new businesses looking to operate within Ukraine. It's essential for businesses to stay up-to-date with the conflict's latest developments and adapt their strategies accordingly. Those in the region should focus on creating flexible business models and contingency plans to ensure business continuity amid ongoing instability.