HOW SUCCESSFUL HAS UKRAINE'S COUNTEROFFENSIVE BEEN SO FAR? - Ukraine began its long-anticipated counteroffensive in early June. Ukrainian forces have been striking at many points along the 1200-kilometer active front probing for weak spots in the fortifications that Moscow has had months to build. While the fighting has been constant, the forces involved have been small. Kyiv has claimed advances in Ukrainian villages in the south and east and continues to strike behind Russian lines.

Yet reports of Ukrainian advances have also been marked by images of hit tanks and armored vehicles stopped in their tracks. Moscow claims that all Ukrainian gains have stopped short of their defensive positions.

The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam created a humanitarian and ecological disaster, but also may have an impact on the battlespace in the south, making it harder for Ukraine to advance, at least in the short term.

What is the current state on the battlefield? What might be expected next? To what extent has Russia learned lessons from Ukraine’s successful counter offensive last year and how is Ukraine reacting to the developments thus far? What can the West do to further support Ukraine as it seeks to liberate all of its territory?

Please join us for an in-depth look at the state of play as the counteroffensive moves into higher gear.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 6/16/23