With the upcoming offensive, some of Putin’s soldiers are going for certain death. It is possible to defend yourself with a lower number of manpower, explains expert Kraus

Josef Kraus

Photo: Courtesy of Josef Kraus

Published: 27/04/2024

Commentary: Ukraine has been resisting a large-scale Russian invasion for more than two years. However, the Ukrainian army has been unable to stop the Russian advance in recent weeks due to a lack of ammunition. According to some sources, Russia is preparing for a large-scale offensive after the presidential elections in March, in which Vladimir Putin won again, which could be launched in late spring or summer. The head of the field of Security and Strategic Studies Josef Kraus from the Department of Political Science at Masaryk University told ŽivotvČesku.cz that offensive operations are significantly more energy-intensive than defensive ones. In a number of cases, the attacking party “has to buy more bags for the dead bodies of their men”.

In recent months, Ukraine has been urgently asking its European partners for supplies of artillery shells, which it is running out of after more than two years of Russian aggression, and is worried about its defense capacity in the expected summer Russian offensive. However, due to limited production capacities, the European Union is unable to keep its earlier promises. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) therefore presented an initiative for the purchase of ammunition in non-EU countries at the EU summit in February. President Petr Pavel said in mid-April that the Czech Republic had already identified over a million pieces of ammunition that could be purchased for Ukraine in non-EU countries.

The promised aid from the United States also comes into play. The US House of Representatives passed a bill on military aid to Ukraine at the end of last week. 311 congressmen voted for the allocation of up to 60.8 billion dollars (1.44 trillion crowns) to support the country attacked by Russia, while 112 were against. The proposal will now go to the Senate, which is expected to pass. President Joe Biden, according to previous statements, will then quickly sign it.

Internationally recognized expert Josef Kraus from the Department of Political Science explained to the editors of ŽivotvČesku.cz what is the fundamental difference between offensive and defensive operations. “Russia needs to renumber the Ukrainian armed forces because the number of troops for offensive operations must be higher than for defensive operations, in order for the offensive to be functional and effective,” he added, adding that, in general, offensive operations are always more energy-intensive than defensive ones.

“Both for human material and other consumed resources, for logistics and the like. It is always easier to defend yourself, and you will defend yourself even with a lower number of manpower, more power is needed for a successful attack” added Kraus for ŽivotvČesku.cz.

Offensive namely, according to the head of the field of Security and Strategic Studies, it usually involves an attack on enemy positions, which can mean a greater risk for the attacking party, since they have to overcome any defensive positions and face a well-prepared enemy. Attacking soldiers they can become the target of fixed defensive artillery, mines and roadblocks.

Defensive according to Kraus, then, it means protecting existing positions, which often allows better use of defensive measures such as fortifications, minefields, and the advantages of familiarity with the terrain. Defenders usually have a better opportunity for cover and camouflage, which can reduce the number of losses.

The respected expert further noted for ŽivotvČesku.cz that assistance from the United States is crucial. “I would call it a very important event. Ukraine would be in a very bad situation without the support of the Americans. However, this does not mean that without it the Ukrainians would immediately lose the war or the front would collapse, but the situation would be very unpleasant, in the context of the lack of military equipment,” said a top expert on military conflicts, noting that the effectiveness of offensive and defensive operations varies greatly depending on the specific circumstances and the quality of execution of tactics by both sides.

Historically, some offensives have been very successful with minimal casualties, while others have resulted in great loss of life to the attackers. Likewise, some defensive positions were held with minimal casualties, while others were breached with devastating consequences for the defenders.

In modern warfare, advanced technology and tactics can significantly affect the outcome of engagements, whether offensive or defensive. It is also important to consider the morale, training and logistics of both sides.