Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian forces has intensified with significant advancements in the south and east, notably in the Zaporizhia province. These operations, part of a counter-offensive planned over the past six months with Western allies, come after weeks of preparatory missile strikes. Meanwhile, a major incident, the collapse of the Kakhovka dam, caused significant flooding and damage in Kherson province, with both sides blaming each other for the disaster. 

Key Points: 

1. Ukraine’s major advancements have been in the Zaporizhia province, with overnight operations involving “massive” artillery barrages and tank movements towards the town of Tokmak.
2. The counter-offensive has been planned for six months with the help of Western allies, who equipped and trained Ukraine with new military equipment and helped wargame their options.
3. In the south, Ukraine’s forces have targeted the port cities of Berdyansk and Mariupol, offering multiple opportunities to sever the land bridge between Russia and Crimea.
4. The Kakhovka dam in Kherson province collapsed, leading to massive flooding and damage. Accusations of responsibility for the disaster are being thrown between Russia and Ukraine, with the latter suggesting the former had mined the dam.
5. Amidst these developments, military officials believe that Ukraine’s forces need to operate with shock, speed, and surprise to overcome Russia’s poorly motivated and trained troops. This strategy aims to exploit Russia’s dilemma of reinforcing the east to protect Donbas while shoring up the south to shield supply lines to Crimea.

Source: https://www.economist.com/briefing/2023/06/07/ukraines-counter-offensive-is-gathering-pace