[Dargo]

The goal was ambitious (to force a major breakthrough in the south to recapture the land link between Russia and Crimea). Those high expectations were not met, Ukraine liberated some 561 square kilometres of territory spread over three sites along the front since June. But it is too short of the mark to label the counteroffensive a failure; in a number of areas, Ukraine did achieve successes.

Ukraine did manage to inflict a lot of damage on the Russian army, which prevented Russia from launching its own offensives for a long time. While Ukraine did not regain control of the south, it did wipe out Russian control of it. Long-range weapons hit important and symbolic targets, such as the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, that last resulted in a painful retreat of warships from Crimea. Expectations were simply too high, both on the Ukrainian and Western sides. Nevertheless, Ukraine wanted to try. In reality, Ukraine struggled with a lack of well-trained troops and air superiority. Western support also proved to be neither extensive nor rapid enough for the counteroffensive to succeed.

Ukraine has learned that they cannot afford a major operation because it is accompanied by great losses. Therefore, a different tactic will be chosen in the next offensive, they will try to engage the Russians in a war of attrition and attack Russian logistics. On the front, smaller and scattered attacks are expected, as can now be seen at Kherson, where Ukrainian troops are crossing the front river in small groups.

The Ukrainian people continue to wholeheartedly support continuation of the war, there is no pressure yet from society to make a deal with the Russians. You do see war fatigue slowly increasing between the political and military top you do see cracks developing, about strategy and how many losses are acceptable. But such divisions they keep hidden so as not to play into Russia's hands. Moreover, how long Ukraine can fight on depends on Western support. Kyiv therefore seems to be preparing for self-reliance, with the creation of its own military industry. In addition to drones and munitions, Ukraine says it is also developing long-range missiles and anti-aircraft systems.

All in all, it will be a difficult time for Ukraine the country must prepare for a long war, where support is uncertain. Ukraine is trying to seize opportunities on the battlefield so that the idea cannot take hold in the West that the war is unwinnable. At home, the will to fight remains great not because they want to, but because there is no alternative.