Stopped reading after “In recent months, there has been a similar misreading. In the weeks after Ukraine’s slow counteroffensive began in June, many commentators dwelled on the strength and depth of Russian defenses. […] Yet by late August, Ukraine was making solid gains,”
Ukraine made about 9 km of progress so far, over months, with several defensive lines ahead (including fortified cities) and mud season upcoming. They are successfully keeping Russia from invading further, and they are not entirely stalled, but calling it a success or “solid gains” is copium. The defensive lines are unfortunately working much better than expected, despite all the equipment.
Stopped reading after “In recent months, there has been a similar misreading. In the weeks after Ukraine’s slow counteroffensive began in June, many commentators dwelled on the strength and depth of Russian defenses. […] Yet by late August, Ukraine was making solid gains,”
Ukraine made about 9 km of progress so far, over months, with several defensive lines ahead (including fortified cities) and mud season upcoming. They are successfully keeping Russia from invading further, and they are not entirely stalled, but calling it a success or “solid gains” is copium. The defensive lines are unfortunately working much better than expected, despite all the equipment.
I would say defensive lines and lack of air superiority.