BBC: AFU Attack On Balakleya Proves Russian Army Runs Worse Than Expected

The counterattack near its own borders was a complete surprise to the Russian command.

European military experts confirm the AFU have initiated a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region. At the same time, such a step was a surprise for the Russian occupation army.

Analysts note the unexpectedness of the operational actions only proves that invaders are doing worse than expected. The BBC News article mentions this.

It is about the AFU counterattack near the town of Balakleya, the Kharkiv region. This city is not far from Izyum. It is strategically important for the Russian army. Military experts say the suddenness of such actions proves that the Ukrainian troops are perfect at the secrecy.

According to Phillips O'Brien, a military analyst and professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, the Ukrainian military made a surprise move near Balakleya.

"If Ukrainians succeeded in operational surprise near Kharkiv, it will reveal the mess the Russian army is in. Given the different monitoring systems from satellites to drones, cyber means and other things, I assumed that such operational surprise is barely achievable," the military analyst said.

The expert also points out that the AFU are taking such actions not far from the border with Russia. This, according to O'Brien, indicates an even worse state of the Russian army than it was previously assumed.

"Plus, everything is happening right near the border with Russia. If Russians missed it, their army is in worse condition than expected. It's also a good sign that Ukraine is perfect at the secrecy," the professor notes.

Meanwhile, the analyst admits that the Russian troops might have known about the counterattack but could do nothing about it. O'Brien notes it reveals the disorder in the Russian army and demonstrates the lack of flexibility in occupants' actions.